Conservatory vs Garden Room: Key Differences, Costs & Which to Choose
Both add space and value – but which one fits your home, lifestyle and budget? Compare structure, roof, price, planning, insulation and best use case.
Talk to a specialist →π Quick comparison: Conservatory vs Garden Room
| Feature | Conservatory | Garden Room |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Attached to main house, mostly glass walls | Can be attached or standalone, solid walls + windows |
| Roof type | Full glass roof (polycarbonate or double-glazed) | Tiled, shingle, or flat roof (optional skylights) |
| Typical cost (2026) | £15,000 – £40,000 (uPVC) Β£30,000 β Β£70,000 (aluminium/timber) | £20,000 – £50,000+ (attached) Β£15,000 β Β£40,000 (standalone) |
| Planning permission | Often Permitted Development (height/size limits) | Permitted Development for outbuildings (max 2.5m height near boundary) |
| Building regs | Required if open-plan to house or >30m² | Required if used as sleeping accommodation or attached to house |
| Insulation | Lower (glass roof – modern coated glass helps) | Higher (solid roof + insulated walls) |
| Best use case | Dining area, sun lounge, plant room, casual living | Home office, gym, guest bedroom, studio, playroom |
| Property value added | 5–8% | 8–12% (if well-insulated and versatile) |
*Prices vary by size, material, location. Always get a fixed-price quote including groundwork.
π What is a Conservatory?
A room with a glass roof and glass walls (or partial brick walls). Always attached to your home. Originally for plants, now a living space. Modern solar-control glass prevents overheating and retains heat.
- β Extends home floor plan seamlessly
- β Maximum natural light
- β Quicker to build than full extension
- β οΈ Can be too hot/cold without quality glass
π³ What is a Garden Room?
A solid-roofed room (tiled, slate, or flat) with insulated walls. Can be attached to your home or built as a separate building in the garden. Increasingly popular for remote work and guest suites.
- β Better insulation year-round
- β More privacy than glass walls
- β Can be standalone (no household disruption)
- β οΈ Less natural light than conservatory
π€ Which one is right for your home?
β Choose a Conservatory if:
- You want a sun-filled dining or lounge area
- You have a modest budget and want maximum value
- Your house lacks a connection to the garden
- You don’t need year-round office/guest space
β Choose a Garden Room if:
- You need a home office, studio, or gym
- You want a separate space away from household noise
- You prefer a solid roof for better temperature control
- You might convert it to a bedroom (follows building regs)
π° Cost factors & hidden fees – what to budget for
Both options come with potential extras beyond the base quote. Make sure your quote includes:
- Groundworks & foundations: Β£3,000 β Β£10,000 (sloping sites or poor soil add cost).
- Planning & building regs: Permitted development often free; planning fees Β£206-462 if needed. Building regs for open-plan or >30mΒ²: Β£400-Β£800.
- Electrics & heating: Underfloor heating, lighting, sockets: Β£1,500-Β£4,000.
- Internal finishes: Plastering, tiling, decorating β often excluded from cheap quotes.
Room Outside advantage: Our fixed-price quotes include groundwork, electrics, plastering, and decorating β no hidden surprises.
π Detailed cost guides & next steps
Understanding the exact investment helps you decide. Use our dedicated cost pages for accurate 2026 pricing:
Not sure which option fits your home?
Our design specialists will listen to your needs, show real examples, and provide a fixed-price quote with no obligation.
Book free consultation →π Or call David on 01243 538999 β quick advice
β Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper: a conservatory or a garden room?
A uPVC conservatory typically starts lower (£15k–£25k) than a garden room with a tiled roof (£20k–£35k). However, garden rooms often have better insulation, reducing long-term energy bills. For premium materials (aluminium/timber), garden rooms and conservatories are closer in price.
Do I need planning permission for a garden room or conservatory?
Both often fall under Permitted Development if size and height limits are met. Garden rooms as outbuildings: max 2.5m height if within 2m of boundary, cannot cover >50% of garden. Conservatories: max 4m height (dual-pitch roof) and not forward of principal elevation. Always check with your local council – we help with this during the survey.
Which adds more value to a home?
A well-designed garden room (or orangery-style conservatory with a solid roof) can add 8-12% value. Traditional glass conservatories add 5-8%. The key is year-round usability – rooms that are freezing in winter or boiling in summer add less value.
Can I use a garden room as a bedroom?
Yes, if it meets building regulations for insulation (thermal efficiency), fire safety, emergency exit, and ventilation. A conservatory with a glass roof is harder to convert to a bedroom due to temperature extremes and building regs. A garden room with solid roof and insulated walls is much more suitable.
Which is better for a home office?
A garden room wins for a home office – solid roof provides stable temperature, reduces noise, and offers privacy. A conservatory can work if you invest in solar-control glass and automated blinds, but expect more temperature fluctuation.
Can I convert a conservatory into a garden room?
Yes – by replacing the glass roof with a solid insulated roof (tiled or lightweight composite). Budget around £8k–£15k for a roof replacement plus any wall insulation. This dramatically improves comfort and can turn an underused conservatory into a year-round living space.
Ready to extend your home with confidence?
Whether you choose a conservatory or garden room, we guide you from design to completion – with fixed pricing and 50+ years of experience.
Get your personalised quote →π Bespoke conservatories, orangeries & garden rooms across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire & London
