Cost calculator
Conservatory cost calculator
The difference between a conservatory you use twice a year and a room you use daily is the roof and the base. Both are usually the first things trimmed to hit a headline price.
Internal floor area of the new conservatory.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£15,000 – £36,500
- Labour (typical)
- £11,500
- Materials (typical)
- £14,000
Guidance only. A real quotation depends on site conditions, specification and access — which is exactly what an independent review of your own quote will tell you.
What affects the cost
Roof type
Polycarbonate is cheapest and worst thermally; glass with solar control is better; a solid tiled roof turns it into a usable year-round room and costs the most.
Base construction
Foundations, damp proofing, insulated slab and drainage — sometimes excluded from a glazing company's quote.
Frame material and style
uPVC lean-to at the low end, aluminium orangery with lantern at the high end.
Heating and glazing spec
Underfloor heating, low-E glass and thermally broken frames decide whether the room is usable in February.
Building regulations
Fully glazed conservatories separated by external-quality doors are usually exempt; remove that separation and the whole build must meet regulations.
Regional pricing differences
Materials cost roughly the same everywhere in the UK; labour does not. Use the region selector above to apply a local index — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average, while the North East, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire sit below it.
Labour vs materials
Roughly 45% of this type of work is labour and 55% materials. Base works and glazing supply dominate. A solid or tiled roof shifts the balance towards structure and labour.
Common hidden costs
- Ground works: soil removal, drain diversions and a manhole in the footprint.
- Electrics and heating extension, often excluded by conservatory suppliers.
- Making good the external wall where render, brick or a downpipe was removed.
- Blinds — a full set for a glass roof can be £1,500–£4,000.
How to save money
- Choose a solid or hybrid roof over blinds-plus-polycarbonate; it costs less over five years and works better.
- Keep the plan rectangular — corners and facets add frames and labour.
- Use the existing patio slab only if a builder confirms it is suitable; rebuilding later is expensive.
- Get the base priced by a builder and the glazing by a supplier so neither hides the other.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a conservatory cost in 2026?
A small uPVC lean-to typically £12,000–£18,000; a mid-size glass-roof conservatory £18,000–£30,000; an orangery £35,000+.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Most fall under permitted development within size limits, but check side extensions, boundaries and any removed rights on newer estates.
Is a conservatory or an extension better value?
An extension costs more per m² but counts fully as habitable space and typically adds more resale value.
Can I put a solid roof on my existing conservatory?
Often yes, but the existing frames and base must be checked structurally, and building control approval is usually required.
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