Difference Between Conservatories and Extensions

Published Monday, June 16th, 2025
Categories: Double Glazing Oxford

What Is The Difference Between a Conservatory and an Extension?

Looking for an extended living space within your home often leads to choosing between a conservatory or an extension, but what is the difference? Both have many benefits, however, it is essential to understand the differences to determine which suits your property better. This guide from us at Oxford Windows and Doors, will delve into the benefits of conservatories and extensions to help you finalise your decision that matches your budget and needs.

What is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is essentially a room that is attached to the property, often built with maximised glazing in the walls and roof. These include gable-end, Edwardian, lean-to, Victorian and even p-shaped conservatories. There are options on roofing for the conservatory, including a tiled roof, flat roof or lantern roofs, depending on the features you want to utilise. They are often chosen as a more affordable alternative to a house extension. They are not only faster to install, but they are also designed to comply with your property’s building regulations.

Advantages:

Cost-Effective: Conservatories are less expensive than traditional extensions, as they require fewer building materials and less time due to their simpler structure.
Quick Installation: These buildings are less structural than extensions – extensions are built to match the structure of the property itself. This means that you can have the same feel as an extension with less disruption to your daily life.
Natural Light: Conservatories feature large panes of glass, including the option for a glass roof. This increases light within the room, making it feel more open. This is perfect for the summer and forms a seamless connection between indoor areas and the outdoors.
Building Regulations: Do you need planning permission for a conservatory? In most cases, conservatories fall within permitted development rights, but it is always worth checking.

Considerations:

Limited Use: Not suitable for as many purposes as a house extension is, if it involves further plumbing or electrics.
Privacy: Due to the expansive glass panels, conservatories may offer less privacy than extensions. Nevertheless, you can opt for blinds on the window panes to optimise the privacy of the structure.

Ultimately, conservatories are affordable, maximise light, often within permitted development rights and are quicker to install, meaning you can enjoy your conservatory sooner. There are a few things to consider depending on the use of the conservatory – they are limited in their function, not as private and add less value to the property. However, conservatories are still functional in many ways and can be used as a living space, office, playroom and more! Contact us today at Oxford Windows and Doors to find out more about the benefits of conservatories!

What is an Extension?

A house extension is an additional living space attached to the home that is more structural than a conservatory and matches the properties style perfectly. They add value to the home, further increase space within the property and, depending on the extent of the extension, do not always need planning permission. Extensions are usually higher in cost than conservatories as they take longer to build and include more builder materials.

Advantages:

Functionality: Extensions can serve a variety of purposes, including a utility room, office, extra bathroom or even a bedroom. This is because they serve as a more permanent structure.
Property Value: Although higher in cost, they result in your house being more valuable as you are enhancing the actual blueprint of the property.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Moving: If you are considering moving house, then an extension is a more affordable option that upgrades the space and enhances the overall feel of the new space within the property.

Considerations:

Property Value: Whilst extensions do add value, there is a risk that you can spend more on the extension than the value it will add to the property.
Building Time: Extensions take much longer to install due to the building materials required and the potential need for planning permission, which can be time-consuming.
Disruption: House extensions are extending your house (hence the name), which is why it takes longer, but also will disrupt your daily routine for longer. It will involve noise, mess and potential complications.

Overall, extensions are more expensive, take longer to build, may require planning permission, and are not guaranteed to substantially increase property value. On the other hand, it could give an alternative option to moving house.

Should I Choose a Conservatory or an Extension?

Your decision should be based on your specific needs:

Choose a conservatory if you are looking for a cost-effective way to add a bright and open space, whilst being practical.
Choose an extension if you don’t mind a higher price tag but would like an open space to use as an additional living area.

Feel free to speak to our team here at Oxford Windows and Doors to figure out which will suit your needs more. Additionally, we can give you a free, no obligation quote whilst ensuring the structure meets building regulations and planning permissions.

Why Choose Oxford Windows and Doors?

At Oxford Windows and Doors, we have the experience to confidently provide you with the right information, competitive quotes and reliable installation. Our conservatories are installed by our highly experienced workmen who pride themselves on their personable customer service. We only use high-quality materials from industry leaders in the market, such as Liniar, meaning we can guarantee a great service. You can also rely on our excess of brilliant reviews, as well as our Assure certification – adding peace of mind for our homeowners.

We offer a variety of choices for uPVC conservatories, replacement conservatory roofs and roof lanterns in Oxford and surrounding areas. If you are in Didcot, Abingdon, Witney, Wantage, Carterton or anywhere in Oxfordshire, feel free to contact us for a quote! Alternatively, use our free online quoting engine and we will be happy to help.