Small Kitchen Conservatory Extension Ideas and Things To Consider Before Building

Are you considering a small kitchen conservatory extension? If so, there are a few things you need to take into account before you begin building. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important factors you need to consider when planning your extension, as well as provide some tips on how to design and build your conservatory, enabling you to make the most of what can be an amazing, multifunctional extension to your home. So if you’re ready to start planning your dream kitchen extension, keep reading!

What are kitchen conservatory extensions?

A kitchen conservatory extension is a popular home improvement that can add value to your property. Kitchen conservatory extensions are a great way to create extra space and bring in more natural light.

They can also be used as a dining area or a place to relax and unwind. kitchen conservatory extensions are usually made from glass or uPVC, and they come in a variety of styles to suit all budgets.

A conservatory extension comprises of a glass or uPVC frame with a roof, that are normally attached to the side or rear of your property facing the garden.

They are typically made with triple or double glazed windows and doors to keep heat in, and they can be insulated to further improve energy efficiency.

There are a few things to consider when planning a conservatory extension – such as planning permission, costs and more. We’ll look at these in more detail later, but first let’s look at some ideas and considerations when it comes down to design and use.

Small conservatory kitchen extension ideas:

Lean to conservatory extension:

A lean to conservatory extension is a popular choice for many homeowners as they are relatively easy and cheap to build. They are also a good option for people who want to extend their living space but are limited by the size of their garden.

A lean to conservatory extension will typically have a glass or polycarbonate roof and be made from UPVC or timber.

The extension will usually be attached to the house at one end, with the other end being supported by an external wall or freestanding posts.

One of the main benefits of a lean to conservatory extension is that it can help to brighten up a small kitchen and dining area. The natural light that comes through the roof will make the space feel larger and more open.

In addition, the extra space provided by the extension can be used for dining or as a play area for children. If you are thinking of extending your home, then a lean to conservatory extension could be a good option for you.

Bifold doors:

Bi-folding doors are a type of door that can be opened fully to one side, allowing easy access to the outdoors. They are a popular choice for conservatory extensions as they provide a wide opening that can help to create a seamless transition between indoors and out.

Bi-folding doors are also available in a variety of materials, such as wood, PVCu and aluminium, so it is possible to find a style that suits your home. In addition, bi-folding doors are often available with thermally efficient glass, which can help to keep your conservatory extension warm in the winter months.

Overall, bi-folding doors offer an attractive and practical solution for extending your living space into the garden creating a wonderful space to enjoy all year round.

Open plan kitchen:

An open plan kitchen conservatory is a great way to make the most of a small space. By removing walls and doors, you can create a light and airy feel in your kitchen that will make it seem larger.

In addition, an open plan layout can be perfect for entertaining guests as it allows you to socialise with visitors while you cook.

If you are planning to extend your kitchen with a conservatory extension, then an open plan layout could be a great option for you, particularly if you want to save space by not requiring an additional and separate dining room.

Conservatory lighting:

Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but it is especially important in a conservatory extension as the space is likely to be filled with natural light in the day, but could turn into a dark kitchen diner at night.

There are a few different ways to light a conservatory extension, such as downlights, spotlights and pendant hanging lights.

Downlights are a good option for providing task lighting in a kitchen, while spotlights can be used to highlight certain areas, such as a dining table or worktop.

Pendant hanging lights are a more decorative option that can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your conservatory extension.

When it comes to choosing the right lighting for your space, it is important to consider the style of your extension and the overall look and interior design you are trying to achieve.

Dining area:

If you are planning to use your conservatory extension as a dining space and area, then there are a few things you will need to consider.

First of all, you will need to make sure that there is enough space for a dining table and chairs in your conservatory kitchen. You also consider the layout of the space and how you will access the kitchen.

is also important to think about lighting, as you will want to create a warm and atmosphere for dinner parties and family meals.

If you are planning to extend your home with a kitchen extension, then a dining area could be the perfect option for you.

Worktop:

If you are planning to use your conservatory extension as a kitchen, then you will need to install a worktop. A worktop is an essential part of any kitchen as it provides a flat surface for preparing food.

When it comes to choosing a worktop for your kitchen conservatory extension, you will need to consider the style of your kitchen and the overall look you are trying to achieve.

There are a few different materials that can be used for worktops, such as granite, marble and quartz. Each material has its own unique properties, so it is important to choose one that is right for your needs.

In addition, you will need to think about the cost of the worktop as this can vary depending on the material you choose.

Roof lantern:

A great way to brighten up your kitchen extension is to add a roof lantern if you have a solid roof structure. This is a popular kitchen extension idea as it will let natural light into your new space, making it feel larger and more open, which is particularly helpful for smaller kitchens that have less floor space.

In addition, a roof lantern can also help to ventilate your kitchen as it will allow hot air to escape.

If you are planning to add a roof lantern to your kitchen conservatory extension, then it is important to make sure that the structure of your roof can support the weight of the glass.

You should also consider the orientation of your roof lantern as this will affect the amount of light that enters your kitchen.

A pitched roof will allow more light into your conservatory kitchen extension, while a flat roof will provide less light.

Flooring:

The flooring you choose for your conservatory extension will need to be durable and easy to clean as it is likely to get wet or dirty from spills and splashes.

There are a few different materials that can be used for flooring, such as ceramic tiles, laminate and vinyl.

• Ceramic tiles are a popular choice as they are durable and easy to clean, however they can be cold to walk on.
• Laminate is another popular option as it is also durable and easy to clean. However, it is important to note that laminate can be damaged by water so it is not suitable for use in areas where there is a risk of spillages.
• Vinyl flooring is a more affordable option that is also easy to clean, however it is not as durable as ceramic tiles or laminate.

For those of us living in cooling climates link the UK, underfloor heating can be a great way to keep your conservatory extension warm and comfortable all year round.

There are two main types of underfloor heating, electric and water-based. Electric underfloor heating is more popular as it is easier to install and can be used with most flooring materials.

Water-based underfloor heating is less common as it is more expensive to install, however it is more efficient and can be used with all flooring materials.

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your conservatory extension, it is important to consider the style of your kitchen conservatory extension and the overall look you are trying to achieve.

Walls:

Your conservatory extension will require wall space and walls as they will need to be able to withstand high and cold temperatures as they will be exposed to the sun and any cold or hot weather conditions experienced outside.

There are a few different materials that can be used for solid walls, such as brick, stone and render.

Brick is a popular choice as it is durable and easy to clean, however it can be expensive.

Stone is another popular option as it is also durable and easy to clean. However, it can be more expensive than brick.

Render is a more affordable option that can be used to create a variety of different looks, however it is not as durable as brick or stone.

You also have the option of a glass kitchen extension. Glass is a popular choice as it allows natural light into your kitchen, making it feel larger and more open.

However, glass can be expensive and it is important to make sure that the glass is tempered so that it can withstand high temperatures. If you have the budget, solar control glass is a great option as it helps to keep your conservatory extension cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Conservatory doors:

We’ve already discussed bi fold doors further up, but they aren’t the only option for your kitchen conservatory extension.

French doors are a popular option as they provide a classic look and can be opened to let in fresh air.

Sliding doors are another popular choice as they take up less space than French doors and can be opened to let in fresh air.

Pivot doors are a more modern option that can be used to create a contemporary look.

When it comes to choosing the right doors for your conservatory extension, it is important to consider the style of your kitchen and the overall look you are trying to achieve.

Conservatory windows:

There are a few different materials that can be used for windows in a glazed extension and will depend on if you want floor to ceiling windows. You can pick from options such as wood, PVCu and aluminium.

Wooden windows are a popular choice as they provide a classic look, however they can be expensive.

PVCu windows are a more affordable option that can be used to create a variety of different looks, however they are not as durable as wood or aluminium.

Aluminium windows are the most durable option and can be used to create a variety of different looks. However, they can be more expensive than wood or PVCu.

When it comes to choosing the right windows for your kitchen conservatory extension, it is important to consider the style of your kitchen and the overall look you are trying to achieve.

Building regulations for conservatory extension:

Now that we’ve looked at ideas and considerations for your kitchen conservatory extension, it’s important we look at some of the logistics when it comes down to the building of your extension.

The first one being – do you need planning permission to convert a conservatory into a kitchen?

The simple answer is no, you don’t need planning permission to convert a conservatory into a kitchen.

However, there are some exceptions, such as if your conservatory is attached to a listed building or if it is located in a conservation area.

If you are unsure whether you need planning permission, it is always best to check with your local authority.

Another important factor to consider when building your conservatory extension is the building regulations that will need to be adhered to.

The building regulations for conservatory extension are different to those for a standard kitchen extension, so it is important to make sure you are familiar with them before starting any work.

Some of the building regulations that will need to be considered include the following:

– The foundations of your conservatory extension will need to be a minimum of 300mm deep.

– The floors of your conservatory extension will need to be insulated.

– The walls of your conservatory extension will need to be a minimum of 50mm thick and insulated.

– The roof of your conservatory extension will need to be a minimum of 100mm thick and insulated.

– The windows and doors of your conservatory extension will need to be double glazed.

You will also need to submit a building regulations application when 25% or more of the external walls or 50% or more of the roof is being replaced.

If you are planning on carrying out any electrical work, you will need to make sure that it complies with the latest building regulations.

You can find out more about the building regulations for conservatory extension by visiting your local authority’s website or by contacting them directly.

If you’re going to be a getting a quote for the work, you can also check these requirements with the company you’re getting the quote from.

Kitchen conservatory extension cost:

The cost of a kitchen conservatory extension will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your extension, the materials you use and the type of doors and windows you choose.

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between £2000 and £5000 for a small kitchen conservatory extension.

For a larger extension, you can expect to pay between £5000 and £10000.

Of course, these are just rough estimates and the final cost will depend on the specific details of your project.

When it comes to choosing the right company to carry out the work, it is important to get several quotes before making a decision.

You should also make sure that you are clear about what is included in the price and what is not.

Some companies may offer a ‘package deal’ that includes the cost of planning permission, building regulations and VAT, while others will charge for these separately.

It is also important to check that the company you are using is registered with the appropriate bodies such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or the National House-Building Council (NHBC).

This will give you peace of mind that they are a reputable company and that they will adhere to the relevant building regulations.

Final thoughts:

Building a kitchen conservatory extension can be a great way to create extra space in your home and add value to your property.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before starting the project, such as whether you need planning permission and which regulations you will need to adhere to.

The cost of the project will also vary depending on the size and complexity of your extension.

When it comes to choosing a company to carry out the work, make sure you get several quotes and that you are clear about what is included in the price.

We work with wide network of national and local companies that would be more than happy to assist you with taking your ideas for your conservatory kitchen extension and turn it into reality and the perfect space for you and your family. Simply request a quote by clicking the button and we’ll assist in whatever way we can.