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House and home

what sort of extension

(22 Posts)
joolz1954 Sun 01-Dec-13 06:36:10

Hi
We are about to buy a new house and are undecided about how to make more space. The living room and kitchen back onto a private, south facing garden. The kitchen is a bit small so we are looking to extending into the garden, while doing that, we might as well extend the living room as well. Our dilemma is, do we build a proper extension i.e. bricks/tiled roof or do we go for a large conservatory style extension to make the most of the garden. What are the pros and cons of a mainly glass extension.

tanith Sun 01-Dec-13 09:31:30

I know people with both and the ones who have conservatorys don't seem to use them as much as those with brick built ones. I would think if you are having one with all the bells and whistles, heating,double glazing,blinds etc then it would be fine otherwise I'd go for brick built extension.

tanith Sun 01-Dec-13 09:33:44

Sorry I meant to add that those with conservatories seem to have temperature control problems ,too hot or too cold .

Aka Sun 01-Dec-13 09:43:17

Go for a brick build but with patio doors opening into the garden. I don't use my conservatory much during the colder months.

Aka Sun 01-Dec-13 09:44:07

Or perhaps an orangery!

Charleygirl Sun 01-Dec-13 09:45:42

I agree with Tanith. I personally would go for a brick built extension because of the temperature control problem with conservatories. When they work well they are great but it is difficult to get the correct temperature control whereas with a brick built extension it will have double glazing, central heating etc.

An extension will add a band to council tax, I am not sure if a conservatory will.

Ariadne Sun 01-Dec-13 09:48:08

Brick but with lots of glass (is that an orangery, Aka? I have always liked the look of conservatories I have had, but we honestly have never used them much. They just came with each house!

The best thing we did was to extend the kitchen and add a big, light filled dining area, with patio doors and big windows, and room for an armchair. Loved it.

Eloethan Sun 01-Dec-13 12:29:07

Brick built with patio or bi-folding doors. Conservatories are OK if the space isn't intended to be used all the time but, from what I've seen, at certain times of the year they seem to be either too hot or too cold to be comfortable or energy-efficient.

Grannyknot Sun 01-Dec-13 12:33:21

Brick built with big patio doors any day over a conservatory; I've never had one, but they just seem like a real schlep to me (as appealing as they may look); I've always thought about the hassle of keeping all that glass clean. And the temperature control must be a problem, I hadn't thought of that.

joolz1954 Sun 01-Dec-13 13:54:32

thanks ladies. some great answers there. food for thought indeed

kittylester Sun 01-Dec-13 14:10:09

Aka grin

Agus Sun 01-Dec-13 14:20:00

Remember to add in the cost of blinds as any glass construction facing South will be extremely hot in summer. My preference would be brick built possibly with a roof lantern.

J52 Sun 01-Dec-13 17:49:30

Hi Joolz1954, an architect would be able to advise, without huge cost. Every year the RIBA have a charity scheme where individuals can have an architect visit them and give an hour of professional advice, in return for a £40 donation to Shelter. If you go onto the RIBA website you will find more info. The project is called "Architect in the House". X

merlotgran Sun 01-Dec-13 17:57:13

You could even go for a timber framed kit extension which will be built to your design. I wouldn't go for a south facing conservatory. We made that mistake years ago and had to change the roof to a solid one.

harrigran Sun 01-Dec-13 23:29:22

Brick built extension, guarantees you have a useable room all year round.

Bez Mon 02-Dec-13 00:00:02

I would agree with the brick built one but also have as many windows as practical - if you feel more light would be needed roof windows are good. Will you retain two rooms or have part of the construction open plan?

Eloethan Mon 02-Dec-13 00:00:09

J52 Thanks for that information - very useful to know.

rpuleo Wed 05-Nov-14 15:21:15

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

rpuleo Wed 05-Aug-15 16:53:51

Hi

Here you can find some examples of glass extensions. It might give some inspiration...

www.iqglassuk.com/h/home/residential-projects/777/#/Glazed Extensions

rpuleo Wed 05-Aug-15 16:57:37

hi I also found here some more

uk.pinterest.com/north6/glass-extension/

tanith Wed 05-Aug-15 16:58:55

This thread is nearly 2yrs old for goodness sake.

rosesarered Wed 05-Aug-15 21:02:18

You can't blame them for trying!