Curious about how much to budget for your new conservatory?

Conservatories come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, and it’s worth bearing in mind that a more complex design – especially one that’s tailor-made to your requirements – will add to the cost.  

“All of our conservatories and glass extensions are bespoke, so it’s hard to give a figure, but typically one of our smaller uPVC conservatories measuring 3m [9ft 10in] x 3m [9ft 10in] would start at around £25,000,” says Stephanie Alexander, marketing manager at Room Outside.  

Choosing an off-the-shelf style is one way to make a potential saving. “Off-the-shelf conservatories may be more likely to start at around £10,000,” says Alexander. 

Here’s a break–down of ballpark costs for different conservatory styles: 

Designed to reflect the decorative style of Victorian architecture, this type of conservatory features multi-faceted walls and a steeply pitched roof. Ornate roof crestings and other elegant decorative features mean that this type of conservatory is likely to cost around £12,750 with a uPVC frame and £16,750 for a wood frame. These costs are based on a 3.5m (11ft 6in) x 3.5m (11ft 6in) structure, using figures collected by Checkatrade.  

This conservatory style provides the perfect blend between modern and traditional, featuring a square or rectangular floorplan with a ridged roof, unlike a Victorian structure, which has a more bay-like appearance. Checkatrade estimates an average cost of £11,250 for a uPVC structure and £15,750 for a wooden frame, based on a 3.5m (11ft 6in) x 3.5m (11ft 6in) conservatory.

Also known as a double-hipped conservatory, this style features a double pitched roof, similar to two Edwardian conservatories joined back-to-back. Conservatory Land suggests a starting price of £9,421 for a hipped-back Edwardian conservatory measuring 3m (9ft 10in) x 3m (9ft 10in), including the supply of the windows, doors and roof.

Featuring clean lines and a simple box-like plan, this style is ideal for homeowners who want to establish a more modern look. Typically, this type of conservatory comes with a square or rectangular plan and a single sloping roof, with its tallest side resting against the wall of the original property. GreenMatch estimates an average cost of £12,300 for a fitted uPVC lean-to conservatory with a polycarbonate roof, up to around £20,355 for one with a wooden frame and solid tiled roof. 

This type of structure is designed with luxury in mind. It typically features a flat roof with a glazed lantern to let light stream in from above. Rather than incorporating glass walls, orangeries usually come with solid walls and large windows for those all-important garden views. As an orangery represents a hybrid between a conservatory and an extension, it tends to cost more. GreenMatch estimates the average cost of an orangery to be around £19,000. How much you pay will come down to a variety of factors, including craftsmanship, which could see an orangery cost upwards of £30,000.

It’s important to factor in the cost of construction, too. It’s worth bearing in mind that some companies provide conservatory frames (including windows, walls and roof) on a supply-only basis, while others will also do the building work and installation for you, so be sure to check what’s included in your quote – more on this later. 

“A rough guide for the building works, including foundations, construction and installation, may range from £10,000 to £20,000,” says Virginia Murray, director of sales and marketing at Mozolowski & Murray. “These figures can vary greatly based on location, soil conditions and other factors. By entrusting a reputable company, homeowners can save money in the long– term through superior workmanship and avoiding unexpected costs.” 

Be sure to check whether your quote for labour includes electrics and plumbing, too – for example, if your conservatory/orangery will be used as the kitchen.  

If your project involves making a new opening from the house to the conservatory, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of knocking through the wall. According to Tradesmen Costs, the average cost of removing a load-bearing wall is between £1,300 and £1,800, while the addition of a concrete lintel costs approximately £85 per metre. 

The frame material you choose for your conservatory will have a huge impact on the cost. uPVC and wood are the most common solutions, though aluminium frames are also available.  

“Expect to budget around £7,000 to £10,000 or more for a basic uPVC lean-to design, rising to around £20,000 or more for supply-only hardwood,” says Murray. “Hardwood is typically the priciest option due to its durability and customisability, while uPVC is the least expensive and aluminium falls in between.” 

Remember to factor in the cost of maintaining your frame, as well as the initial supply costs. uPVC requires little maintenance, while wooden frames will require periodic re-painting or re-staining to keep them in tip-top condition. 

Some companies provide conservatory frames (walls, roof, floors) on a supply-only basis, not including foundations or installation. Others offer a supply and installation service, where everything is included under a single quote, so it’s worth ascertaining exactly where you stand with your potential supplier before getting too far into your project. 

“A quote will generally include the structure and installation, but may not include base works, final painting, floor finishes and electrics,” says Lisa Morton, director at Vale Garden Houses. Other details to check include any warranty information, the timeline and estimated completion date, plus any site preparation costs (including foundations and any potential landscaping).  

Make sure all your quotes are based on the same criteria, so that you can compare like for like. 

If you’re working with a tight budget, there are various ways you might be able to keep costs down. For example, choosing a simple lean-to structure with a uPVC frame rather than hardwood will help keep costs to a minimum. “While hardwood frames are beautiful, they cost a lot more than uPVC and ultimately you can create a very similar design to the hardwood,” says Alexander.