Having a replacement conservatory roof fitted has quickly become one of the most popular home improvements, and it is one that comes with huge benefits attached.
However, there are a few questions that need to be answered first; here are a few different questions that will help you to decide if a replacement conservatory roof is right for you.
Why are people choosing replacement conservatory roofs?
Most conservatories – and all conservatories that were built prior to 2010 that have not had their roof replaced – have either polycarbonate or glass roofs, two materials which are completely unsuited to the job they have been designated for.
Neither polycarbonate nor glass can regulate the temperature, they will leave the conservatory too hot in the summer months and almost impossible to heat and keep warm in the winter.
Replacement conservatory roofs were developed in order to tackle these notorious issues, in order to make the conservatory a room to be used year round – to make it the room it has always had the potential to be.
How does replacing the conservatory roof compare to getting an extension, or even a loft or cellar conversion?
This is fairly easy to answer – you already have the basic structure in place, having the old roof removed and new one installed is going to work out as being much more cost effective than having to start again with an extension, or going through the expense and enormous disruption of a loft or cellar conversion.
Unless you require extra square footage that can’t be achieved through a conservatory, there is little reason at this stage to consider the alternatives – if you already have a conservatory, why not just turn it into a great space?
How else can a conservatory be improved?
Having forked out a considerable fee to have a conservatory installed in the first place, a lot of homeowners are somewhat reluctant to spend too much additional money on it. This often leads to an initial look at some low cost options to try and make the conservatory usable in the short term. Things like fans in the summer, or even conservatory blinds – which don’t actually regulate temperature.
Ultimately, the only thing that can make a conservatory usable is changing the roof. If this is something you currently don’t have the funds for, it is actually better to do nothing than throw good money after cheaper solutions that won’t actually solve anything.
What can the room be used for?
When people initially had conservatories built, they often just wanted a little bit of extra space without a specific use in mind. Getting the roof replaced turns it into an extension which can be used year round, and one that is perfect for a variety of different uses.
Giving some thought to what you would like to use the room for is a good idea, prior to the work starting as it can help to inform the finish and the overall look and feel. It might be the case that your conservatory is going to turn into your home office, or a games room for the kids, or maybe even a second lounge.
What are the financial implications?
The improved thermal efficiency of your new conservatory will mean that you can enjoy savings on your energy bills each year. Better still, replacing your conservatory roof is work that can often add significant value to your property – usually the work will more than pay for itself. It will vary by postcode and the local housing market, but the benefits are universal; any would-be buyer is getting what is effectively a superb extension rather than a flawed conservatory space. It is space they will welcome rather than a problem inherited.
Having your conservatory roof replaced is often worth doing, even if you are thinking of renting or selling in the near future.