- 8 December 2025|
- Conservatories
Planning to add extra living space to your home? You’re not alone. According to recent data from the Federation of Master Builders, home improvements that add functional space remain the most popular renovation projects among UK homeowners, with both conservatories and extensions topping the list.
But which option is right for you?
Whether you’re dreaming of a bright dining area flooded with natural light or a practical new room that feels like part of the house, understanding the key differences between a conservatory extension and a traditional extension will help you make the best decision for your home, budget and lifestyle.
Let’s explore both options so you can choose with confidence.
Understanding the basics
Before diving into comparisons, it’s helpful to understand what we mean by each term.
A conservatory is typically a glazed structure with a glass roof and glass walls that creates a bright, airy space connecting your home to the garden. Modern conservatories have evolved significantly from their traditional counterparts, now offering features like solid roof panels, insulated pelmets and pillars, and A-rated glazing for improved thermal efficiency.
A traditional extension is a brick-built structure with a solid roof that essentially creates a new room as part of your home. Whether you’re adding a single storey extension to the back of your home or creating an extra bedroom at the side of your home, extensions typically match the original house in terms of construction and appearance.
Planning permission and building regulations
One of the most significant differences lies in the regulatory requirements.
Conservatories and permitted development rights
Most conservatories fall under permitted development rights, meaning you won’t need planning permission if they meet certain criteria. This makes the process considerably quicker and more straightforward. Building regulation approval is also usually not required for conservatories so long as the conservatory is separated from the house by external-quality doors, which allows for considerable time and cost savings on the project.
The good news? At Enhance Conservatories, we handle every step of the way, working with local planning authorities when needed to ensure your project meets all requirements.
Extensions and building regulations approval
Traditional extensions almost always require building regulations approval. Depending on the size and location, you may also need planning permission. This can extend your project timeline and add complexity to the process. However, because extensions become part of the house structurally, they’re subject to rigorous standards that ensure longer-term quality and safety.
Cost considerations
Budget plays a crucial role in most home improvement decisions.
Conservatories generally offer a more cost-effective solution for creating extra space. The construction is typically faster, materials are less expensive than full brick-built structures, and the reduced regulatory requirements mean lower associated costs.
Traditional extensions involve more substantial building work, including foundations, brickwork and roofing that matches your existing property. This means higher material and labour costs, though you’re creating a space that’s fully integrated with your original house.
Want to know exactly what your project might cost? We offer a no obligation quote, including full CAD designs, that breaks down all the details clearly, helping you budget with confidence.
Design flexibility and aesthetics
Both options offer plenty of scope for creating your dream space, but in different ways.
Range of styles for conservatories
Modern conservatories come in a wide range of styles, from classic Victorian and Edwardian designs to contemporary garden room aesthetics. You can choose between:
- Full glass roofs for maximum natural light
- Solid roof conservatory options for better temperature control
- Tiled roof alternatives that blend with your existing property
- Various roof options combining glazing and solid panels
The design team at Enhance Conservatories works with you to select the perfect style that complements your detached house or semi-detached property while meeting your practical needs.
Extensions and integration
Extensions offer the advantage of looking like part of your original home from day one. They can match existing brickwork, roofing materials and window styles seamlessly. This makes them particularly appealing if you’re creating an open plan kitchen or converting unused space into a functional dining room.
Thermal efficiency and year-round comfort
How you’ll use your new space matters enormously.
Old conservatory designs suffered from overheating in summer and freezing temperatures in winter. However, modern conservatories have transformed dramatically. Features like solid roof panels, high performance roof and frame glazing and advanced insulation now create a comfortable living space throughout the year.
Many homeowners now use their conservatories as home offices, playrooms or dining areas without any concerns about temperature extremes.
Traditional extensions, with their insulated solid walls and conventional roofing, naturally offer excellent thermal efficiency. They feel like any other room in your house regardless of the season, making them ideal for uses requiring consistent comfort.
Natural light and garden connection
If flooding your new space with plenty of natural light ranks high on your priority list, this consideration matters significantly.
Conservatories excel at creating bright, airy environments that maintain a strong connection with your garden. French doors or patio doors can open fully, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. This makes them perfect for those who love the feeling of bringing the outside in.
Extensions can certainly include generous glazing – a new opening with patio doors or a wall of windows – but the solid roof and walls mean they won’t match the light levels of a glass roof structure. However, they offer better privacy and a more traditional room feel that some homeowners prefer.
How much value will each option add?
Both conservatories and extensions can increase the value of your home, but the impact varies.
Research suggests that well-designed home improvements adding functional living space typically return between 5-10% of the property’s value. The exact figure depends on quality, design and how well the addition suits the property.
Extensions often add slightly more value because they’re considered proper rooms rather than secondary spaces. However, a high-quality conservatory with a solid roof and modern specifications can add just as much value to your property, particularly if it’s well-designed and complements your home beautifully.
In the long run, the best investment is the one that you’ll actually use and enjoy daily.
What’s the best choice for creating extra space?
The right choice depends entirely on your specific circumstances. A conservatory extension might be perfect if you want a bright, cost-effective space that connects with your garden, requires minimal planning hassle and can be installed relatively quickly.
A traditional extension could suit you better if you want a room that feels completely integrated with your existing home, matches your house aesthetically and will be used as a primary living area like a new bedroom or extended dining room.
Making your decision
Still weighing up your options? Consider these key questions:
- Budget: What can you realistically invest?
- Timeline: How quickly do you need the extra room?
- Usage: Will this be a comfortable living space used daily or a lighter-use area?
- Aesthetics: Do you want maximum natural light or a traditional room feel?
- Planning: Are you prepared for potential planning permission requirements?
Ready to create your ideal space?
Whether you’re leaning towards a stunning conservatory with roof options that suit your home or considering a traditional house extension, the next step is getting expert advice tailored to your property.
At Enhance Conservatories, we specialise in creating beautiful, functional spaces that homeowners love. Our experienced design team will visit your property, discuss your vision and provide honest recommendations about what will work best for your home and budget.
We’ll guide you through every step of the way, from initial design through to completion, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Request your no obligation quote today and let’s explore how we can help you create the extra living space your home deserves.
Your dream space is closer than you think.