Yes, a conservatory adds value to a house. That’s one of the reasons they keep popping up on more properties. People build conservatories to create a versatile living space with lots of natural light. However, property value is also an important motivation.
Here is a hypothetical situation. Let’s assume that conservatories don’t add value. Let’s assume that they devalue homes instead. What will happen? People would stop building conservatories right away.
This does happen sometimes. There are situations in which a conservatory can devalue a property. For example, what if the conservatory is poorly installed, takes up too much garden space or looks out of place? However, these are exceptions.
More often than not, a conservatory adds value to a house. How much value exactly? How much value does a conservatory add? What are the factors that determine how much value a conservatory adds? How do you ensure a conservatory will add value to a house instead of devaluing it?
Great questions! Keep reading to find answers.
Factors That Influence How Much Value a Conservatory Adds
It depends on the conservatory and how well it fits the house. Here are some deciding factors.
Quality of building materials
The choice of conservatory frame and glass is crucial. A hardwood conservatory is more valuable than a uPVC one. That’s because hardwood is more expensive and aesthetically pleasing.
What about the glazing? Most conservatories use double glazing. Alternatives include polycarbonate, triple glazing, self-cleaning, and solar control glass.
Compared to double glazing, self-cleaning and solar control glass add more value. Triple glazing might, too, but the benefit-to-cost ratio is much lower.
Build quality and health
A well-installed, well-maintained and healthy conservatory will add value. A run-down and shabby conservatory could do the opposite. So, keep your conservatory in good shape and health.
Aesthetic appeal and integration with the house
Does the conservatory fit in with the house and the rest of the property? This is one of the most crucial factors influencing a conservatory’s value. A conservatory has to match the house. It shouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Functionality and features
A featured-packed conservatory will add more value to a house. However, the law of diminishing returns kicks in at some point. So, be moderate. Only the essential features are crucial.
Essential features include heating, insulation, lighting, electricity, etc. Features that make a conservatory more functional will increase its value.
Location and orientation of the conservatory
A conservatory should have windows facing the south. That’s where the most sunlight comes from. The adjoining wall (where the conservatory is attached to the house) should be in the north. That’s where the cold comes from.
Finally, a conservatory should be near a garden. This allows the homeowner to enjoy their garden from inside the conservatory. The conservatory will also serve as a transitional space between the indoors and the garden.
All these affect the conservatory’s value.
Personal preferences
Sometimes, this is all that matters. If the potential buyer doesn’t like or appreciate conservatories, there is nothing you can do. The buyer simply doesn’t understand the value of a conservatory.
So, focus on finding the right buyer. Older people and those who appreciate the outdoors usually fall into this category.
How Much Value Does a Conservatory Add?
A conservatory increases the value of a house by 5 to 10%. Remember, this depends on factors like build quality, material, aesthetics, functionality, and orientation of the conservatory. More importantly, it depends on how well the conservatory fits in with the house and the rest of the property.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Remember that a conservatory could also reduce the market value of a property. This is usually a result of the mistakes below. So, if you want your conservatory to increase the value of your house, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Poor construction and installation
A poorly built or maintained conservatory can reduce the market value of a house. So, you should hire a reliable installer. Before the buyer arrives, call a professional to inspect your conservatory and conduct necessary repairs.
Poor integration with house and rest of property
A conservatory mustn’t stick out like a sore thumb. It must suit and complement the house. The conservatory must feel like it belongs on that property. Here are some ways to achieve this.
- Choose a conservatory type/design that matches the design of the house
- Use similar building materials for the conservatory and the house
- Use similar colours and flooring
- Let the house open into the conservatory
Wrong location and orientation
We discussed this earlier. Remember? A conservatory should have south-facing windows and be near a garden. This is the best position and orientation.
Taking up too much garden space
Gardens are a pinnacle of British culture. They are a part of our heritage. Buyers value gardens. So, a conservatory should never take up too much garden space. It can affect the market value of the property.
Being too cheap
Cheap-looking conservatories don’t add much value. So, avoid the basic low-budget unit that most conservatory installers offer. Spend a little more and build a higher-quality conservatory.
Types of Conservatories and Their Benefits
Here are the four main types of conservatories and the types of houses they are perfect for. Remember, it’s crucial to choose a conservatory that suits the design and build of your house.
Lean to conservatory
A lean-to conservatory has a single-sloped roof and a simple design. It looks great on every property but best suits contemporary houses and small spaces.
Gable fronted conservatory
This type of conservatory has a pitched roof with the gable end facing outward. This design allows more roof height. A gable-fronted conservatories also suit all sorts of homes. However, the best fits are bungalows and period houses.
Edwardian conservatory
An Edwardian conservatory usually has square corners and pitched roofs. The design is simple and symmetrical, while the interior is spacious. Edwardian conservatories suit both period and contemporary homes.
Victorian conservatory
A Victorian conservatory has curved corners, a steep roof and ornate designs on its surface. It is an elegant structure that’s best suited for period homes. However, you can also build a Victorian conservatory for a contemporary home.
Energy Efficiency and Year-Round Use
A modern conservatory must be energy efficient and usable year-round. Only then can it increase the market value of a property. So, you must include insulation and heating systems.
Options for insulation include double glazing, roof insulation and floor insulation. Solar control glass is also a great idea. It reduces solar gain by blocking infrared radiation. Only ultraviolet light gets through.
As for heating, options include central heating, electric radiators, long burners, trench heating, infrared heating and underfloor heating.
Conclusion
A conservatory does add value to a house. It adds about 5-10%. However, these will depend on certain factors. The most important ones are aesthetic appeal, functionality and how well the conservatory fits in with the house.
So, put those factors in mind when installing or repairing your conservatory. Avoid the pitfalls we discussed, too.
If you can’t find the right conservatory, consider building an orangery and garden house instead. These two are similar to conservatories but more secure and energy efficient.
