Our Extensions

An extension is fundamentally a brick structure with large glass windows, so the brick will provide more insulation than a fully glazed structure. A conservatory is a structure predominantly made of glass so is naturally susceptible to fluctuations in temperature - hot in summer, cold in winter. Glass technology does mean that conservatories built today are far more energy-efficient than twenty or thirty years ago. On balance, a traditional extension is slightly warmer than a conservatory. However, conservatories with quality glazing are not far behind.

Planning permission is not necessary for all extensions. Adding an extension can be allowed under “permitted development” rules. That said, we always recommend that you check whether full planning permission is required. Not only will this give you total peace of mind but it could also save you a great deal of money. Failure to check could be an expensive mistake should local authorities decide a conservatory was built illegally and it would need to then be removed.

In order to be approved by building control, extensions need to conform to the same standards as a typical extension. This means a minimum depth of one metre but can be more if the ground is unstable.