Lean-to Conservatory Prices in 2022 - Easier House (2023)

  • John Devlin
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How much does a lean to conservatory cost?

For a rough lean to conservatory cost you can expect to pay around £5000, for a basic 3 x 3. This will be fully glazed and with a glass polycarbonate roof.

(Video) Conservatory Prices in 2022: The Ultimate UK Cost Guide

Lean-to Conservatory Prices in 2022 - Easier House (1)

What is a Lean To Conservatory?

A lean to conservatory is simple style conservatory with clean lines that give homes a contemporary look. The style is ideal for properties with low eaves such as bungalows or other buildings with restricted space, as the pitch of lean-to conservatories can vary.

A lean to conservatory often called suntraps or garden rooms is the most basic style of conservatory you can install.

Check our in-depth UK conservatory cost guide here.

They tend to be constructed to the back or side of the building, to an external wall. The lean to is the most popular conservatory style in the UK. The roof system of a lean to is angled away from the house, and the conservatory can be either floor to roof glass or constructed upon low-level walls known as dwarf walls, or pillars.

Key Features of Lean to Conservatories

  • Sloping roof attached to existing building
  • Square or rectangular in shape
  • Cost-efficient way of adding extra space to your home
  • Low-pitched roof

Lean To Conservatory - Detailed Review

Design - Star Rating 4/5

The lean to conservatory has sleek, clean lines that can be easily adapted to suit your personal needs. It is a simple structure that is erected on the outside of the existing building. Freestanding lean tos are also available but are less common. The rectangular shape of the lean-to makes it convenient for furniture placement, giving an abundance of space that is drenched in natural light and warmth. Lean to conservatories can be constructed with a wooden frame, but are most commonly made of UPVC and large glass panels.

Off-the-peg lean to conservatories are available to buy, or you can purchase a bespoke conservatory that can be large enough to act as an extra room such as dining room, or small enough for a few chairs to enjoy the sun and warmth. Smallconservatory ideasand designs are available to view online to give you an idea of what sort of lean to best suits your needs. Small lean to extension ideas include use as a growing room for plants, a toy room, or just somewhere to place small comfortable seating to allow you to enjoy your garden all year round.

Affordability- Star Rating 5/5

Glass lean to conservatories are a popular option for homeowners due to their affordability. They offer a cost-effective and economical way to add value to your home. There are many options to take into consideration when looking for a cheap conservatory, and the lean to conservatory cost can be kept to a minimum by selecting certain options. For example, double or triple glazing, conservatory windows, french or bifolding doors, size and construction material are all things to take into account when deciding on buying a upvc conservatory.

A small conservatory can be bought for as little as £850, making one an ideal investment for adding value to your home and increasing space for a relatively low outlay. If you go for one with better energy efficiency and build quality you can expect to pay more.

Planning & Regulations - Star Rating 5/5

(Video) June 2022 Customer of the Month: A lean-to conservatory in Surrey

Lean to conservatories prices vary but do not usually require planning permission, they are classed as a permitted development (Planning Portal). This is subject to certain criteria being met. This includes; The new conservatory is not to cover more than half of the existing land around the house. The roof of the conservatory must not be higher than the roof of the existing house. It must not extend more than 3 metres from the back of an attached house, or 4 metres for a detached house.

lean to conservatory planning permission

The exception to this is if your house is a listing building or within a conservation area. If your house is a listed building, Listed Building Consent will be required. If your house is in a conservation area, planing permission may also be required and additional building regulations may apply (Historic England).

Lean-to Conservatory Prices in 2022 - Easier House (2)

DIY Lean To - Star Rating 4/5

Lean tos are a great way to build your new conservatory and obvisouly dont require a conservatory installer. Witht basic DIY knowledge and installation guides, you should be capabale of doing it yourself and some of the other features such as double glazing. Whilst some people may just not want the hassle of the build and employ someone to build their lean to conservatory roof, many people choose this type of conservatory due to its relatively easy assembly. There are various glazing options available but most people go for fully glazed for insulation purposes.

Self-build lean to sunrooms are a popular option for those wishing to add extra space to their home. A DIY conservatory can save you a considerable amount of money with self build prices being considerably cheaper than supply and fit conservatories.

lean to conservatory kits

There are a range of DIY conservatories that come supplied with easy to follow instructions. You may wish to hire a professional to build a dwarf wall or lay foundations if you are not confident in those aspects, then continue the rest of the build yourself. Compared to Edwardian, Victorian or DIY orangeries, the lean-to is the most simple design for a home extension.

The Roof - Star Rating 5/5

Unlike lantern roofs, the roof of a lean to sunroom slopes away from the building. This allows rain to run off whilst also being adaptable to suit the building it is to be attached to. The degree of the slope can suit your personal needs, with a shallow pitch being ideal for bungalows, whilst a steeper lean is ideal for terraced or detached houses.

The roof of your lean to can be constructed of either glass or polycarbonate, or occasionally it can be tiled.

Polycarbonate Vs Glass Roof

Polycarbonate roofs are cheaper than glass conservatory roofs, although they have the drawback of being less soundproof and less thermally efficient. Glass roofs are more aesthetically pleasing whilst having the added benefit of allowing more light into the conservatory. Tiled roofs have the drawback of letting less light into the conservatory, however, they are more soundproof than polycarbonate. Whilst you do not need planning permission for a glass or polycarbonate roof, a tiled roof may require permission. Its important that you browse the conservatory roofs as you do not want to pick the wrong one.

(Video) January 2023 Customer of the Month: A Lean-to conservatory in Reading

Lean to Conservatory Prices - Star Rating 5/5

Self-build lean to conservatory prices vary depending on the size and materials used. A DIY build will be considerably cheaper than employing professionals to install the conservatory. Lean to conservatory kits can be bought for as little as £850 for a basic 2.5m square conservatory. Some conservatories go up to £2500 for a conservatory lean to. Compared to Edwardian or Victorian conservatories or orangeries, a lean to conservatory can add value to your home for a relatively low cost.

cost per square foot

A lean to conservatory can be done without a conservatory company and costs can range from £150 per square metre for a self-build, up to £500 per square metre for supply and fitting.

If you do not wish to self-build your lean-to conservatory, there are multiple companies that supply and fit. You can expect to pay up to around £6,000 for a fully fitted conservatory as long as you do not need planning permission.

Small lean to conservatory designs

  • 53 Lean to conservatory ideas – here
  • Lean to conservatory costs and designs – here

“HOW DOES IT COMPARE?”

Edwardian conservatory

The cost of Edwardian conservatories tend to be more expensive than a lean to conservatory. They can take on different shapes and sizes compared to the rectangular lean to. A lean to is ideal when space is limited, particularly if you live in a bungalow. Edwardian conservatories have apex roofs, which if you live in a bungalow, means it would not meet building regulations if the apex is higher than the bungalow roof.

Lean to conservatories are easier to install than an Edwardian conservatory and are more suited to a self-build project. Double glazed is always recommended to keep the heat in during the colder months.

Lean-to Conservatory Prices in 2022 - Easier House (3)

Victorian conservatory

A Victorian conservatory is a multi-faceted structure with a steeply pitched roof. The average cost of Victorian conservatories is covered here.

(Video) Lean-to conservatory build

Like the Edwardian conservatory, the roof may make Victorian conservatories unsuitable for some buildings due to the height of the roof. Whereas the rectangular design of a lean to conservatory makes placing furniture simple, Victorian conservatories are more round, with either three or five facets. Whilst this optimises all-round views of your outdoor space, it can make placing furniture difficult. Whilst the majority of lean-to conservatories are built using uPVC and glass, Victorian conservatories are more likely to be constructed using hardwood or timber.

Should I Buy a Lean To Conservatory

The right conservatory can prove to be a valuable investment in your property and could save you money on an extension . They are the cheapest design of conservatory, yet still offer all the benefits of increasing your living space area and providing an additional room that can integrate your indoor and outdoor living areas, as well as maintaining heat through double glazing and glass. Lean-to conservatories are particularly suitable for homeowners looking for a self-build project and design requirements like underfloor heating or french doors can be met with ease because your doing it yourself.

Also, due to their relative ease of erection compared to single-storey extensions or other conservatory types. This type allows you to enjoy your garden all year round, with the predominantly glass structure allowing an abundance of light and warmth to penetrate it.

If you are looking for an extension so, for example, you can increase your kitchen space or make a larger living room, then a lean to will not be suitable as it needs to be erected against an external wall and be accessible from your house via your current external back door. That being said, they are ideal for uses such as for a play-room, study, dining room, or just as a seating area with comfortable conservatory seating to allow you to sit and enjoy the natural light all year round.

Want more ideas for your conservatory?

John Devlin

Hello Hello, thanks for stopping by, John here and am the guy behind Easier House. Hopefully by now you’ve had a chance to look around the site and i am really hoping your enjoying it thus far! If like me you a bit fanatical about your house then you’ll find some quality bits and pieces on this site.

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(Video) Couple self build conservatory, DIY budget extra room

FAQs

What is the cheapest style of conservatory? ›

The most popular types of conservatory are: Lean-to, Victorian and Edwardian. The Lean-to sits against the house and has a sloping roof. Originally developed from a greenhouse design, these are the simplest style of conservatory and the cheapest.

What is cheaper an extension or conservatory? ›

Conservatories are often cheaper than an extension, too, although they don't add the same value an extension does and they aren't everyone's cup of tea. Keeping a conservatory at a good temperature can be a struggle, with them often being too cold in winter and too hot in the summer.

What type of conservatory is best? ›

Tiled conservatory roofs also offer the best thermal performance when compared to glass conservatory roofs. Although both roof styles offer fantastic insulation, the tiled roof wins out every time, making this the best fit for your home if you are looking for an extra layer of warmth.

How long do lean-to conservatories last? ›

Conservatories typically last for approximately 20 years. With the right amount of cleaning, there's no reason whatsoever why your conservatory shouldn't be lasting a lifetime. Like anything, the more maintenance something receives, the longer and better its lifespan is.

What is a good size for a conservatory? ›

The most popular size for a small conservatory is 10' x 8'. A popular size for a large conservatory is 10' x 20' - large enough for dual use, with a lounge area and a dining area or perhaps a utility room and a lounge area.

What is the alternative to a conservatory? ›

A garden room is a great alternative to a conservatory for several reasons. First, a garden room can be added to any home, regardless of the size or style of the house. Second, a garden room can be customized to match the existing architecture of the home.

What is the cheapest type of house extension? ›

Single storey extensions are often the cheapest and most viable option, and could totally transform a small home, bringing in light, extra living space and opening up the house to the garden.

Do you need foundations for a conservatory? ›

A conservatory is a building extension so it needs the same foundations as any building work. A building is only ever as strong as its foundations so correct footings are essential.

What is the disadvantage of conservatory? ›

With conservatories they tend to be too cold in winter and too warm in summer, making them awkward to use. You can invest in thermally insulated roofs but it is much more expensive. A good ventilation system could help regulate the temperature but this will need factoring into budgets and will raise the costs.

What is the best roof for a lean-to conservatory? ›

Polycarbonate tends to act as an alternative to glass glazing, best used for greenhouses, conservatories or any other application where you need or want a lot of natural light.

What is the difference between a conservatory and a lean-to? ›

What is a lean-to conservatory? Lean-to conservatories are usually square or rectangular in shape with a flat roof that slopes downwards. This unique shape gives it the appearance that it is leaning against the wall of a house, hence the name lean-to.

What is the best furniture to put in a conservatory? ›

'Materials such as rattan, willow, metal and glass are all ideal as they look light and fresh and are less prone to fading' advises John Lewis & Partners home design stylist Emma Valerio. 'Consider the space as halfway between the house and the garden and keep materials natural and the colour palette neutral.

Do conservatories devalue a house? ›

Unlike other extensions, there's a real risk your conservatory could actually DEVALUE your home. Meaning if you're going to do it, you have to do it right. Here's our advice for creating a value-adding conservatory to your home.

Do all conservatories leak? ›

Modern conservatories are designed to withstand the hottest days, coldest seasons and windiest conditions. However, conservatories are made of multiple sections connected by rubber or silicone, making them susceptible to wear and tear as well as leaks over time.

Does a lean-to conservatory add value? ›

More affordable and less hassle than an extension, you could add value to your home at minimal cost to you. A well-built conservatory could increase your home's value by at least 5%. However, like any home improvement, the actual value a conservatory will add can depend on several factors.

How big can a lean-to conservatory be? ›

The extension can't be higher than the eaves of your existing house, and if it's a side lean-to extension, it must be less than four metres in height or wider than half the width of the existing property.

How deep do foundations need to be for a conservatory? ›

How deep do conservatory foundations need to be? The exact depth of your foundations will vary, depending on the nature and stability of the soil. As a guide, 600mm depth may be suitable in hard and stable ground, 1000mm for softer soils with up to 1500mm in particularly fragile or problem prone areas.

What size is a lean-to conservatory? ›

The Lean-to can be any width and can project into your garden for up to about 4 metres (12 feet). This design can go around corners, into corners, be L shaped and is very versatile. For an alternative to a Lean-to at very little additional cost it is worth considering a Gull Wing on the next page.

What is the smallest conservatory you can buy? ›

The average size of a small conservatory is generally 8ft square/2.5m square, however, the most popular size is 10 x 8ft/3 x 2.5m. Everest conservatories have a minimum width and projection available of 1.5m.

Is a sunroom better than a conservatory? ›

The largest difference between the two rooms is their purpose. While conservatories are designed for horticulture, sunrooms are more for recreation. For example, conservatories are great for providing plants with plenty of sunlight to grow while also protecting them from wind and cold weather.

What is the point of a conservatory? ›

A conservatory is a living space first and foremost. Some people use it as a living room, others a dining area (which is really quite a beautiful backdrop for holiday meals). When the Europeans first began to build conservatories, they also built greenhouses. One space to grow it, the other to show it off!

What is the cheapest you can build a house for? ›

Technically yes, you can build a house for $50,000, but it won't be easy. A simple tiny house or repurposed shipping container makes building a home for under $50,000 achievable. However, you need land to build on to begin construction, which can be much more expensive.

How can I extend my house cheaply? ›

How to Design a Budget Extension
  1. Stick to a simple configuration. ...
  2. Use simple building materials. ...
  3. Plan in standard fittings. ...
  4. Don't be lured by fashionable brands. ...
  5. Keep the groundworks simple. ...
  6. Party Walls. ...
  7. Planning Permission. ...
  8. Building Regulations.
Oct 5, 2022

What is the cheapest house design to build? ›

Cheapest Types of Homes to Build
  • Shipping Container Home. The cheapest type of house to build in 2022 is a shipping container one. ...
  • Off Grid Homes. ...
  • Ranch-Style House. ...
  • Use Affordable Materials. ...
  • Keep the Walls and Roof Simple. ...
  • Increase the Vertical Footprint. ...
  • Use Stock Materials Rather than Custom.
Dec 3, 2022

What are common problems with conservatories? ›

One of the most common problems with conservatories is their tendency to be too cold to use in winter and too hot for comfort at the height of summer. The problem is that glass is a relatively poor insulator meaning it allows heat to leak out in winter and too much in during very hot days.

What is the best base for a conservatory? ›

Steel Conservatory Base

If you choose a steel base, your conservatory can be built quickly and easily on pad foundations, creating just a few barrow loads of soil that can be redistributed around the garden – so no need for the expensive skips required for a traditional build.

Can you have plumbing in a conservatory? ›

Can I have electricity / plumbing / heating installed in my conservatory? Installing electricity and plumbing inside a new or existing conservatory is normally quite straightforward. We offer two types of heating in our orangeries and conservatories.

Do conservatories lose a lot of heat? ›

Essentially conservatories are made up of large panes of glass and a plastic frame and roof, so they lose far more heat than a brick structure with an insulated, tiled roof.

Does a conservatory add value to a house? ›

By adding an extra room to your home, you will increase its desirability to potential buyers. More affordable and less hassle than an extension, you could add value to your home at minimal cost to you. A well-built conservatory could increase your home's value by at least 5%.

How do you make a conservatory livable? ›

Do:
  1. Insulate it. No one wants to sit in a freezing cold conservatory. ...
  2. Use blinds or curtains. As I've already mentioned, the temperature in a conservatory can fluctuate in summer and winter. ...
  3. Install central heating. ...
  4. Have it cleaned regularly. ...
  5. Make it look beautiful! ...
  6. Design it too small. ...
  7. Neglect it.
Oct 12, 2018

How much does it cost to install a lean-to roof? ›

How Much Does A Lean-To Cost? A lean-to will cost around $15 to $17 per square foot, depending on whether you go with the open option (like on this building), or the enclosed option (like on this building).

What is the minimum pitch for a lean-to conservatory roof? ›

We recommend that a glass roof should be pitched at least 2.5%, that's 2.86 degrees, to ensure that it is kept clean during rainy weather. To optimise the capacity for self-cleaning, a 15% gradient will be required. Most conservatory frame systems allow for a glass roof pitch of anywhere between 2.5 and 45 degrees.

What is the most efficient roof shape? ›

The most efficient roofs are light in color and have a membrane system and minimal slope. EPDM flat roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing designs available today, lowering roof surface temperatures by up to 30-40 percent.

How long does it take to build a lean-to conservatory? ›

2 - 3 Weeks 4 - 6 Days

Are lean-to roofs cheaper? ›

Since lean-to roofs only have one side, they're less expensive than many other styles. A considerable roofing cost is material, so the price will vary depending on what you choose. According to Forbes, asphalt shingles are one of the least expensive roofing materials.

Are lean-to conservatories any good? ›

A lean-to conservatory is a great way to add a uniquely relaxing space to your home. Whether you live in a single-storey bungalow, or a modest modern home, a conservatory adds not only value but also space, but it does so at a moderate price, helping it to become a viable option for many homeowners.

What kind of couch is best for conservatory? ›

Wooden framed sofas work extremely well in conservatory spaces as they blend seamlessly with the natural elements of the outdoors which surround your conservatory while bridging that gap between indoors and outdoors.

Can I put a normal sofa in a conservatory? ›

One question that comes up more often than not is, Can you put a normal sofa in a conservatory? The simple answer is Yes, you can. You do not need to purchase a new sofa for your conservatory if you already have one in your living room.

What is the best way to keep a conservatory warm in winter? ›

How To Keep A Conservatory Warm
  1. Improve Glazing. Depending on the age of your conservatory, it may or may not be fitted with double glazing. ...
  2. Change Your Flooring. ...
  3. Install Blinds Or Curtains. ...
  4. Add Electrical Heating. ...
  5. Cosy Finishing Touches. ...
  6. Replace The Roofing. ...
  7. Draught-Proof The Room.

What is the cheapest form of heating for a conservatory? ›

Electric Blankets

The most affordable way to heat your conservatory in winter doesn't actually involve heating your whole conservatory at all! Electric blankets will warm you directly, which uses much less energy than heating up your entire conservatory.

Which is cheaper conservatory and orangery? ›

Orangeries are more expensive than conservatories because of how they're built. While a conservatory is predominantly made from glass, an orangery is a much flatter and substantial base, and is made from bricks. An orangery acts more as an extension to the property, and therefore adds a lot to its overall value.

What is the difference between orangery and conservatory? ›

The main technical difference relates to how the roof of each is constructed. A very simple differentiation is that a conservatory has the majority of its roof glazed, whereas an orangery tends to have a solid perimeter roof with roof lanterns to allow light in.

Videos

1. EBAY USED £500 CONSERVATORY BUILD
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2. August 2022 Customer of the Month: A Lean-to conservatory in Nottinghamshire
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3. Conservatory Installation
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4. Conservatory Installation - How To Build A Conservatory
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5. Easy DIY MODERN LEAN-TO SLATTED PERGOLA | For less than £200! | DIY Pergola for beginners
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6. 5 Best Lean To Greenhouses | Side of House Options
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