Conservatory Renovation in London

Renovate Your Conservatory for Year-Round Comfort

Many London homeowners have conservatories that are too hot in summer and too cold in winter, sitting unused for much of the year. A professional renovation can transform this underutilised space into a comfortable extension of your home that you'll enjoy year-round.

Hampstead Renovations specialises in conservatory renovations and upgrades across North London. This guide covers insulation, glazing, heating, cooling, and design options to maximise your conservatory's potential.

Common Conservatory Problems

Temperature Control Issues

• Too hot in summer: Greenhouse effect, can exceed 40°C
• Too cold in winter: Heat loss through glass and roof
• Uncomfortable year-round: Limited usability
• High energy costs: If heated, expensive to run

Structural and Aesthetic Issues

• Leaking roof or seals
• Condensation and dampness
• Outdated design or tired appearance
• Poor integration with house
• Inadequate ventilation

Renovation Options

Option 1: Roof Replacement

The most effective upgrade for temperature control:

Solid Tiled Roof:

• Lightweight tiles (Guardian, Ultraroof, Supalite)
• Insulated construction (U-value 0.15-0.18)
• Feels like proper room extension
• Dramatically reduces heat loss/gain
• May require planning permission
• Cost: £5,000-£12,000 depending on size

Glass Roof Upgrade:

• Replace polycarbonate with high-performance glass
• Solar control glass (blocks heat)
• Argon-filled double or triple glazing
• Self-cleaning coating option
• Maintains light and view of sky
• Cost: £3,000-£8,000

Option 2: Glazing Upgrades

• Replace single glazing: With double or triple glazed units
• Low-E coatings: Reflect heat back into room
• Argon gas filling: Better insulation
• Tinted glass: Reduces glare and solar gain
• Cost: £2,000-£8,000 depending on size

Option 3: Internal Insulation

• Insulated plasterboard ceiling: If keeping glass roof
• Insulated blinds: Cellular or honeycomb blinds trap air
• Thermal curtains: Heavy, lined curtains
• Underfloor insulation: If accessible
• Cost: £1,500-£5,000

Option 4: Full Conversion to Extension

• Remove conservatory entirely
• Build proper insulated extension
• Requires full planning and Building Regs
• Most expensive but best long-term solution
• Cost: £20,000-£50,000+

Heating Solutions

Underfloor Heating (Best Option)

• Even heat distribution
• No radiators taking up wall space
• Works well with tiled floors
• Electric or water-based systems
• Cost: £50-£100 per m² installed

Radiators

• Extension of central heating system
• Quick to install
• Vertical radiators save space
• May not be permitted without Building Regs
• Cost: £500-£1,500

Electric Heaters

• Panel heaters or infrared
• No plumbing required
• More expensive to run
• Good for occasional use
• Cost: £200-£800

Cooling and Ventilation

Roof Vents

• Motorized opening roof vents
• Allow hot air to escape
• Can be automated with temperature sensors
• Essential for summer comfort
• Cost: £300-£800 per vent

Ceiling Fans

• Circulate air and create cooling breeze
• Reversible for winter (push warm air down)
• Stylish and effective
• Cost: £100-£500

Air Conditioning

• Split system units
• Provides heating and cooling
• Most effective temperature control
• Higher cost
• Cost: £1,500-£4,000 installed

Blinds and Shading

• Pleated roof blinds: Block solar gain from above
• External awnings: Most effective sun blocking
• Solar reflective film: Applied to glass, reduces heat
• Interior blinds: Cellular or roller blinds
• Cost: £500-£3,000 for full conservatory

Flooring Options

Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles

• Pros: Durable, works with underfloor heating, easy to clean
• Cons: Cold without heating, hard underfoot
• Best for: Conservatory-dining rooms, kitchen extensions
• Cost: £30-£100 per m²

Engineered Wood

• Pros: Warm, elegant, compatible with UFH
• Cons: Can fade in direct sunlight
• Best for: Living room extensions
• Cost: £40-£100 per m²

Luxury Vinyl (LVT)

• Pros: Waterproof, affordable, realistic wood/stone effect
• Cons: Less prestige than real materials
• Best for: Family spaces, budget-conscious renovations
• Cost: £25-£60 per m²

Carpet

• Pros: Warm, comfortable, sound-absorbing
• Cons: Can fade, not ideal for plant/garden access
• Best for: Lounge/sitting room use
• Cost: £20-£50 per m²

Lighting

Natural Light Management

• One of conservatory's best features
• Control with blinds rather than eliminating
• Solar control glass maintains light while reducing heat

Artificial Lighting

• Recessed spotlights: Clean, unobtrusive
• Pendant lights: Statement pieces over dining tables
• Wall lights: Ambient evening lighting
• LED strips: Under-pelmet or architectural lighting
• Dimmers: Adjust for different times of day

Design and Decor

Colour Schemes

• Light and airy: Whites, creams, pale greys
• Natural connection: Greens, blues, earth tones
• Bold statement: Dark walls create cosy feel in bright space
• Continuity: Match or complement adjacent rooms

Furniture and Layout

• Dining area: Table positioned for garden views
• Living space: Comfortable seating, coffee table
• Home office: Desk facing garden for inspiration
• Indoor garden: Plant displays, potting bench
• Play area: Bright, safe space for children

Window Treatments

• Coordinated roof and wall blinds
• Motorized for convenience
• Thermal properties important
• Light filtering vs. blackout options

Integrating with Your Home

Opening Up the Connection

• Bi-fold or sliding doors: Replace single door with wide opening
• Remove wall: Open up into kitchen or living room (RSJ required)
• Matching flooring: Continue floor from house into conservatory
• Consistent decor: Make conservatory feel part of home, not addition

Building Regulations

When Building Regs Apply

• Solid roof conversion: Usually requires approval
• Heating extension: May need notification if adding radiators
• Structural changes: Opening up walls
• Electrical work: Part P compliance

Exemptions

• Conservatory separated by external-quality doors (thermal separation)
• Simple glazing replacement (like-for-like)
• Internal decoration only

Note: Solid roof conversions may require planning permission and Building Regulations. We handle all applications.

Budget Planning

Basic Renovation (£3,000 - £8,000)

• Redecoration and new flooring
• Thermal blinds or curtains
• Electric heating
• Basic lighting upgrades

Comprehensive Upgrade (£8,000 - £20,000)

• Roof replacement (solid or upgraded glass)
• Glazing improvements
• Underfloor heating
• Quality flooring
• Ventilation and cooling
• Professional design and installation

Premium Transformation (£20,000 - £40,000+)

• Full conservatory replacement or extension
• High-spec glazing throughout
• Air conditioning
• Automated roof vents and blinds
• Bi-fold doors to garden
• Luxury finishes
• Full structural integration

Return on Investment

• Improved usability: Gain year-round living space
• Energy efficiency: Lower heating bills with better insulation
• Property value: Usable conservatory worth more than unusable
• Quality of life: Enjoyable garden connection

Project Timeline

• Week 1: Survey, design, planning/Building Regs applications
• Week 2-3: Roof replacement or glazing upgrade
• Week 4: Heating and electrical installation
• Week 5: Flooring, plastering (if solid roof)
• Week 6: Decoration, blinds, finishing touches

Contact Hampstead Renovations