Conservatory Replacement in Golders Green NW11

Many homes in Golders Green NW11 feature conservatories added in the 1980s and 1990s that now feel dated and underperform. These traditional glass structures are often too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and don't integrate well with modern living. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone—conservatory replacement has become one of the most popular home improvement projects in North West London. The good news is that replacing your old conservatory with a modern orangery or solid-roof extension can transform how you use and enjoy this valuable space.

Signs Your Conservatory Needs Replacement

How do you know if it's time to replace rather than repair? Common indicators include:

• Extreme temperature fluctuations making the space unusable in summer and winter
• Leaking roof panels or guttering
• Condensation and misting between glass panels
• Outdated polycarbonate roofing that's discoloured or damaged
• Poor structural integrity with sagging frames or doors
• UPVC frames that have yellowed or degraded
• The space feels separate from the house rather than integrated
• You avoid using it for most of the year

If several of these apply, replacement offers better value than attempting repairs, particularly as replacement options have evolved dramatically.

Modern Alternatives to Traditional Conservatories

Solid Roof Extensions: The most popular choice, replacing the glass roof with an insulated solid roof creates a true extension of your home. Benefits include:

• Comfortable year-round temperature control
• Feels like a proper room rather than a greenhouse
• Can install downlights and ceiling speakers
• Significantly better thermal efficiency
• Often built under permitted development without planning permission

Modern solid-roof extensions use lightweight tile systems or rendered exteriors that match your existing house. Rooflights and large glazed doors ensure the space remains bright.

Orangeries: A step up from standard extensions, orangeries feature brick pillars at the corners with glazing between them, topped by a flat roof with a central glazed lantern. This creates an elegant, light-filled space that combines the best of conservatories and extensions. Orangeries work particularly well with the period properties common in Golders Green.

Glass Extensions: For those who love the light-filled feeling of conservatories but want better performance, modern glass extensions use high-performance glazing systems that prevent overheating and heat loss. These contemporary designs feature slim aluminium frames and can incorporate sliding or bi-fold doors.

Planning and Building Regulations

Permitted Development: Many conservatory replacements fall under permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is required if:

• The extension doesn't exceed 4 metres beyond the original rear wall (3 metres for attached houses)
• Maximum height of 4 metres for a flat roof, or 3 metres at the eaves for a pitched roof
• No part is higher than the highest part of the existing roof
• Materials are similar in appearance to the existing house
• The property isn't in a conservation area or listed

Parts of Golders Green fall within conservation areas where permitted development rights may be restricted. Always check with Barnet Council before proceeding.

Building Regulations: Even if you don't need planning permission, building regulations approval is required for:

• Structural work and foundations
• Thermal performance and insulation
• Electrical installation
• Drainage and water supply
• Fire safety (particularly if affecting an existing escape route)

Design Considerations

Roof Design: The roof is the defining element. Options include:

Flat Roof with Rooflights: Clean, modern appearance with excellent light from above. Ensure proper drainage and use high-quality EPDM or GRP roofing systems with comprehensive warranties.

Tiled Roof: More traditional appearance that blends with existing house. Lightweight tile systems designed specifically for extensions won't overload the structure. Include Velux windows or skylights for natural light.

Lantern Roof: A raised section in the centre featuring glazing brings dramatic natural light while maintaining the benefits of solid roof insulation. Popular in orangeries and premium extensions.

Glazing and Doors: Large areas of glazing maintain the light and garden connection you value in a conservatory:

• Bi-fold doors opening fully to the garden for seamless indoor-outdoor living
• Sliding doors offering a sleeker profile with less obstruction when open
• French doors for a more traditional appearance
• Floor-to-ceiling glass maximising light and views

Invest in high-performance aluminium frames—they're slimmer than UPVC, don't require painting, and offer better longevity.

Foundations and Groundworks

Traditional conservatories often sat on simple concrete bases. Modern extensions require proper foundations:

Strip Foundations: The standard for solid-wall extensions. Trenches are excavated around the perimeter and filled with concrete to provide stable support. Depth depends on ground conditions and typically ranges from 0.9-1.2 metres.

Building off Existing Base: In some cases, the existing conservatory base may be adequate if it meets current standards. A structural engineer's survey will determine this. If suitable, it saves time and cost.

Ground Conditions in Golders Green: The area's clay soil can shrink and swell with moisture changes. Foundations must be designed to account for this, particularly near large trees which can affect soil moisture levels.

Maximising Natural Light

When replacing a glass conservatory with solid walls and roof, maintaining light is crucial:

• Rooflights: Install multiple rooflights across the roof—at least one large unit or several smaller ones
• Glazed Doors: Use the largest practical door opening across the rear elevation
• Side Windows: If wall space allows, incorporate windows in the side walls
• Light Colours: White or light-coloured walls and ceilings reflect maximum light
• Open Plan: Removing the wall between the conservatory and adjacent room creates light flow between spaces

Heating and Insulation

One key advantage of replacing a conservatory is creating a properly heated, insulated space:

Underfloor Heating: The most popular choice for extensions, providing even warmth without radiators taking up wall space. Works with heat pumps or traditional boilers.

Extending Central Heating: Adding radiators is simpler and more cost-effective than underfloor heating but less efficient in highly glazed spaces.

Insulation: Modern extensions use cavity wall insulation and high-performance roof insulation achieving U-values of 0.15-0.18, dramatically better than traditional conservatories. Combined with triple-glazed rooflights and thermally-broken aluminium frames, you'll enjoy year-round comfort.

Uses for Your New Space

A properly constructed replacement allows uses impossible with traditional conservatories:

• Kitchen Extension: Create an open-plan kitchen-dining-living space, the heart of family life
• Garden Room: A comfortable lounge opening to the garden, perfect for relaxing
• Dining Room: Host dinner parties in a bright, inviting space with garden views
• Home Office: A quiet, comfortable workspace separate from main living areas
• Playroom: Dedicated children's space that's comfortable in all weather
• Fitness Studio: Exercise room with inspiring garden views

Cost and Budget Planning

Conservatory replacement costs in Golders Green vary significantly based on size, specification, and existing conditions:

Basic Solid Roof Extension (15-20 sq m): £35,000-£55,000

• Remove existing conservatory
• New foundations and build
• Solid roof with basic rooflights
• Standard bi-fold doors
• Mid-range finishes

Quality Orangery (20-25 sq m): £60,000-£90,000

• Brick pillars and glazed sections
• Lantern roof with quality glazing
• Premium aluminium doors
• Underfloor heating
• High-quality finishes

Premium Glass Extension: £70,000-£120,000+

• Architect-designed
• Structural glass and minimal frames
• Sliding-pivot doors or corner bi-folds
• Integrated heating and technology
• Designer finishes

The Replacement Process

A typical conservatory replacement follows this timeline:

1. Survey and Design (3-4 weeks): Assess existing structure, design new extension, create drawings
2. Planning if Required (8-12 weeks): Submit and await Barnet Council decision
3. Building Regulations (2-3 weeks): Submit for approval
4. Demolition (1 week): Remove existing conservatory, dispose of materials
5. Groundworks (2-3 weeks): Excavate and pour foundations, install damp-proof course
6. Build (4-6 weeks): Construct walls, roof, install windows and doors
7. First Fix (2 weeks): Electrics, plumbing, heating installation
8. Second Fix (3-4 weeks): Plastering, flooring, decoration, finishing touches

Total time: 4-7 months from initial survey to completion, with 10-14 weeks of construction work.

Adding Value

Replacing a tired conservatory with a quality extension typically adds significant value to Golders Green properties:

• Return on investment typically 75-100% of project cost
• Can add £40,000-£80,000+ to property value depending on size and quality
• Makes property more marketable by creating usable year-round space
• Appeals to buyers seeking modern, move-in-ready homes
• Improves energy efficiency ratings

Quality execution is crucial—professional design and construction make the difference between an average and exceptional result.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Look for contractors with:

• Proven experience in extension work and conservatory replacement
• Portfolio of completed projects you can view
• Understanding of local planning requirements in Barnet
• Comprehensive insurance and guarantees
• Clear, detailed quotations
• Good communication and project management
• Membership of trade bodies (FMB, TrustMark, etc.)