If you want to extend your home but are lacking in outdoor space, a lean-to conservatory could be the answer – find out more about lean to conservatory prices and benefits here.
Lean-to-conservatories are elegant structures that fit snugly onto the side or back of your home; providing a relaxing space to spend time in whatever the season. Lean-to-conservatories are a great option for houses restricted by height, such as bungalows and terraced properties.
A lean-to-conservatory will not restrict any space at the side of the house. Traditionally they have a flat angled roof that makes it easier for the rainwater to run off the roof. If you already own either a Victorian or terraced property, you can easily extend it by building a long and narrow lean-to room in your garden, that integrates seamlessly with the surroundings.
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Features
Lean to conservatories come mostly in two different designs, depending on whether there will be required any brickwork or not. If your conservatory does not include any ” brick “, then your design is “all glazed” otherwise, it is “dwarf-wall”. If you decide to build a short brick wall, keep in mind that this will increase the conservatory costs significantly.
If you are limited by budget, can you easily go for a DIY lean-to-conservatory that costs no more than a few hundred pounds? With the right planning and skills, you can easily build a truly amazing conservatory, that would otherwise cost a few thousand pounds.
A “veranda conservatory, is also a type of lean-to conservatory, that is very popular among British homeowners, as it relatively easy to build by extending the front edge roofing section. This modification creates an overhead that protects the space right outside the entrance doors. Veranda conservatories:
- Are relatively low cost.
- Come in a great range of colours.
- Can be built with uPVC.
- Require very little maintenance.
- Feature safety glazing
- Polycarbonate roofing options are available.
Veranda conservatories create a great seating space and therefore are ideal for families looking to enjoy a view of their garden during the whole year.
Lean-To Conservatory Design
- A Lean-to Conservatory is very stylish and aesthetically similar to a Mediterranean sunroom.
- Its subtle look is ideal for people who prefer clean lines and would like to have a new structure to complement their property.
- A Lean-to Conservatory is typically rectangular or square and does not overshadow your existing property.
- Rectangular lean-to conservatories have a longer site running along the back of your property.
- Lean-to-conservatories have a flat angled roof that is sloping gradually to allow rainwater to run off the roof.
Lean-To Conservatory Style
- A Lean to conservatory is probably the most popular style of the room in England.
- Lean-to-conservatories’ minimalist design, flexibility and simplicity are what makes them so popular, as they can fit almost anywhere.
- A Lean-to conservatory can have many uses depending on your needs. It can be used as an extra kitchen, dining room, greenhouse or even as an art studio.
- Lean-to-conservatories are available in many colours, and you can also create your own colour.
- There are also many options when it comes to choosing glass, roof and windows for your lean-to conservatory.
- A contemporary lean to conservatory, with its style and simplicity, will significantly increase the value of your property.
What’s the difference between a lean-to conservatory and a normal conservatory?
Lean-to conservatories (or sunrooms as they are often called) are particularly good for homes with less outdoor space. Typically, the lean-to conservatory has three sides, using an existing exterior wall to form the fourth. A lean-to conservatory is usually rectangular in shape with a slightly sloping or flat roof which won’t obscure the view from upstairs windows. Lean-to-conservatories are also appropriate for properties with limited space under the eaves.
Lean-to-conservatories can be suitable for modern as well as older properties, which gives them a wide-ranging appeal. There are many different styles of lean-to conservatory so it is best to ask your contractor to talk you through them and decide which sort will best suit your property. For instance, an L-shaped conservatory may best suit your property if you have space to the side and back of your home.
Planning permission for a lean to conservatory
Lean-to conservatories don’t usually require planning permission except if you live in a listed building or conservation area – consult with your local building authority if this is the case. Otherwise, conservatories are classed as permitted developments so long as they don’t take up more than 50% of your garden, face a road or reach higher than any existing roof of your property. The best way to ensure you are within the rules of the law is to hire a building contractor, who may deal with the planning permission stage for you.
Factors affecting lean to conservatory prices
Basic factors
Design: The more complicated the conservatory design, the more likely the cost will go up. Try to stick with simple designs, unless you have a big budget.
Size: The bigger the conservatory, the more it is going to cost you, as the more labour and materials are involved in the project. Size is, in general, the number one factor when it comes to cost, so be careful to build a conservatory that fits your needs but for which you also have enough extra space in your garden.
Type Of Glass
Another factor that can increase the price of your lean-to-conservatory is the type of glass that you will choose. Here are a few options to consider:
Thermally efficient glass: If you are looking to minimize heat loss, then you should consider installing coated (low-emissivity) double-glazed panels filled with gas. This type of window improves the energy efficiency of your home, resulting in reduced heating costs.
Self-cleaning glass: A special coating is applied to the panel that reacts with sunlight to dissolve dirt and grime so that you do not have to worry about cleaning your conservatory any more.
Anti-glare, reflective or tinted glass: This is another special coating that helps reduce the sun’s glare on hot summer days, especially if your conservatory will be built in a very sunny place in the garden.
Material
Frames: The type of material that will be used for the conservatory frames will affect the overall project cost greatly. The prices of frames vary depending on their profile and design elements. Most homeowners choose Upvc or aluminium as both materials are low maintenance. Alternatively, you can go for engineered wood if you are looking for a more traditional material, which is also cheap and strong.
Walls: You can choose either to have fully glazed, full height or dwarf walls for your lean-to conservatory. The bigger the size of the walls, the more it will add to the overall project cost.
Roof: When it comes to conservatory roofing, you have two options depending on how are you planning to use your conservatory. If you want plenty of natural sunlight to come in, then you should consider having a ffully tiled roof. Alternatively, you can opt for a partly glazed roof. Most lean-to conservatories are likely to have a simple flat sloping roof, made from Polycarbonate sheeting to reduce costs.
Doors: There are many different types of doors available to choose from for a lean-to room, such as French Doors, sliding, tilt & turn or Bifold doors. French Doors are the most popular option in the UK. Conservatory door prices may vary greatly depending on the design and size, so be careful when choosing.
Lean-To Conservatory Roofs
- A lean-to-conservatory roof is sloping downwards to allow rainwater to fall off the roof.
- The roof is low-pitched compared to other conservatory styles that have an apex roof design.
- Lean-to-conservatories are the obvious choice for houses that have little space under the eaves and for homeowners looking to build a bungalow.
- A lean-to-conservatory is very adaptable, making it easy to fit in any kind of space.
- Terraced properties benefit from a steeper lean-to roof, while bungalow roofs are shallow-pitched.
Conservatory Roofing Options
There are several options when it comes to your conservatory roof, but which one is the best for your lean to conservatory? The two most popular materials in England are glass and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate roofs are certainly cheaper but glass roofs look a lot better.
Polycarbonate Conservatory Roofs
Pros
- High UV Blockage (ideal for greenhouses)
- Extremely lightweight (easy to transport and install)
- Heat, sunlight and rain resistant
Cons
- Higher price compared to plastic or glass.
- Can scratch or dent.
- Poor soundproofing and heat insulation.
- Can cost more in the long term.
A Lean-To Conservatory With Solid Roof
Pros
- Make the conservatory usable all year.
- Low energy bills.
- Keep noise out more effectively.
- Look attractive (great range of styles and colors)
Cons
- Allow less sunlight to come in.
- Might required planning permission.
- Require Building Regulations Approval.
- Not all roofs are build with the same standards (poor installation work).
Glass Lean-To Conservatory Roofs
Pros
- Glass roofing reduces noise by 50%.
- Keep your conservatory warmer during the winter and cooler during summer.
- Self-sufficient as they also come with self-cleaning properties.
Cons
- Glass is more expensive than Upvc and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
- Unable to regulate the temperature and to create a pleasant environment during the whole year.
- Glass conservatory roofs are more durable when compared to other materials but also more expensive.
- They have poor reputation due to their disadvantages, putting potential buyers off.
Conservatory Installer
Finding the right conservatory installer is of equal importance to choosing the right conservatory (glass, frame, base etc.). If the professional you hire is not experienced enough to do the job properly and to guarantee that everything is functioning properly, you will experience problems in the future that will cost you additional money to fix. So, you need to do proper research before you hire anyone for the job. Ask friends, colleagues and neighbours to recommend any installer they have already used before, to be sure that you hire the best one.
How much does a lean-to-conservatory cost?
Lean to conservatory prices vary largely depending on the size of the structure, but generally, you should expect to pay around £10,000 for an average-sized version. However, it is possible to build a small lean-to conservatory for as little as £5,000. Remember not to shy away when it comes to hiring a professional contractor who will do the job properly and with quality materials. Make sure to compare quotes from three or more contractors in order to get a competitive price; always check references and insurance credentials before you hire.