Our guide to choosing the right extension for your home

If your home could do with some much needed space but you don’t want to move, a glazed extension could be your ideal solution. But which one should you choose that will suit your home and what else do you need to consider?

Beautiful spaces the whole family will enjoy

Conservatories have been a popular addition to homes across the UK for decades now. Primarily made up of glass, they offer you wide reaching views and a useable and welcoming room full of light. They are ideal as lounges where you can relax and enjoy getting some sun and admiring your views. Choose from durable uPVC or modern aluminium to create the perfect space for your home. With thermally efficient glass, you won’t suffer the problems of conservatories of the past. In the summer, the reflective glass will keep the extreme heat out and during the winter, your warmth won’t escape. From the traditional Edwardian and Victorian styles to a versatile and tailormade bespoke conservatory, choose the best one for your home.

Add some luxury to your home

First seen in the UK in the 17th century to protect citrus trees from the harsh British weather, the modern orangery is far from just being that. Generally differing from a conservatory by the inclusion of more solid walls (rather than glass all round), the main difference between a conservatory and an orangery is the roof. An orangery is in essence a flat roofed structure with a hole in the roof. The hole is then covered with a glass lantern roof. They feel like a real extension and more permanent than a conservatory. With the option of a solid roof and plastered ceiling, you even won’t notice you’ve moved out of the original house.

There are new developments from the conservatory sector “enhancing” a conservatory roof with the addition of large gutters and internal pelmets or soffits to create an orangery feel. These are however still in essence a conservatory roof, and as such will perform structurally and thermally as a conservatory. In order to create “a flat roof with a hole in it” the structure needs to be exceptionally strong and properly engineered. The main benefit of an orangery is the ability to have large areas of ceiling or glass wherever you prefer. The roof should also be thermally insulated to building regulations standard.

What do I need to consider when planning an extension?

• How big do you want to go? Adding more space to your home will increase its value but you shouldn’t do this at the expense of your garden. Extensions that dwarf the main house or take up too much garden space can actually decrease the value of your home. Ensure it is the right size for what you intend to use it for.
• Do you need planning permission? The majority of conservatories and orangeries are considered permitted development so don’t require planning permission. Building regulations approval will still be needed however to ensure that the orangery or conservatory is safe, energy efficient and habitable.
• What do you want to use it for? Do you want to just create a lounge where you can relax and take in the gorgeous views of your garden or do you want to extend your dining area to create a formal space for entertaining? Your intended use will help you plan a design, size etc.

The perfect extensions across Devon

Here at Renaissance Conservatories, we can create the perfect extension for your home. With a range of roof options including tiled and lantern roofs, we will blend your new addition in perfectly for your home. We’re based in Newton Abbot and serve the whole of South Devon, view the areas we serve to see if we’re able to help you improve your home. Get in touch with us today to create a bespoke space for your home.