Glazed Extension FAQs

Here at Doors and Windows Exeter, we’re proud of our extensive industry knowledge and we make it our priority to help customers understand exactly what we offer. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive when it comes to glazed extensions, so whether you’re improving your current extension or you are thinking of building one, we’re here to help you find the right solution for your Devonshire home.

Do I need planning permission to build a conservatory?

If you’re thinking of adding a conservatory to your home you’ve probably thought about the planning permission required surrounding this type of extension. Planning permission generally applies when it comes to extending your home, however, conservatories are often exempt from a lot of the usual rules. Providing a few rules are followed, building a conservatory is relatively straightforward in terms of adhering to official guidelines.

• A conservatory must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original property by more than 3 metres for an attached property and 4 metres for a detached one.
• It should not cover more than half the area of your garden.
• If building a conservatory on the side of your property, it should take up no more than half of the width of the property.
• Conservatories that are built forward of the principal elevation or at the side of the property must not be facing a road.
• The height of the conservatory cannot exceed 4 metres, however, if it is located within 2 metres of the property boundary, the height cannot exceed 3 metres. The height can also not be higher than the highest part of the property’s roof.

Unfortunately, there are some types of properties in Exeter and Devon where permitted development rights cannot be used. If you have; a flat, a maisonette, a listed building, or live in one of the 51 conservation areas in Devon, you may need planning permission or be restricted by Article 4 Directions. Owners of new builds will also need to bear n mind that their contracts with developers may restrict them from building a conservatory.

When you use a FENSA registered installer, like us, we will take care of all of this for you and make sure that your new extension adheres to all of the required guidelines.

How long do conservatories take to build?

Every conservatory we build is bespoke to the needs of our individual customer requirements. It’s because of this that we are unable to specify an exact amount of time for building a new conservatory. We can, however, provide a very rough estimate that work will take approximately 12 weeks from the time you have finalised your design with us until building work has been completed. It’s worth noting that if you require planning approval, we estimate that it takes around 12 weeks from the date that planning approval is granted.

Do glazed extensions come with heating and electrics?

As part of a conservatory installation, we don’t just build the structure; we take care of some of the interior work too. This means you can start using your new space straightaway! Interior work will be accounted for during the design and quoting process and it includes:

• Lighting
• Plastering
• Heating & electrics

Will a conservatory add value to my home?

A well-built conservatory can increase the value of your home by as much as 5 – 10%.

To add as much value as possible, you need to make sure that the components used are high quality and the company installing it has a proven track record of quality installations.

Here at Doors and Windows Exeter, we are dedicated to delivering top quality, locally sourced & family-friendly products seamlessly combined with 1st class customer care.

Are conservatories secure?

Any reputable installation company should build a conservatory with high security in mind. Therefore, any windows and doors that are fitted upon them should make use of a range of security hardware.

We pride ourselves on offering the utmost security for your home, giving you total peace of mind. All of our window and door installations are approved by the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Secured by Design initiative. With a plethora of security upgrades available allowing for the highest security standards possible, you can put your trust in us to keep your home safe and secure. Get in touch if you want to know more about our window security options.

Can conservatories be built on sloping ground?

It is possible to build a conservatory on a slope. The foundations and base will be built level and then, if required, a set of steps or a slope will be built for access purposes.  A raised base can be used to even out your ground. Talk to us to find out more about this if it is a concern for you and we will tell you how we can help.

Can I replace a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a tiled one?

In most cases, it’s possible to replace a glass conservatory roof, or a polycarbonate one, with a tiled variant. This is true irrespective of the size and style of the existing conservatory. All you need to do is make an appointment with us and we’ll send out a member of our design team to advise you on your options.

Do conservatories require Building Control?

It is necessary for any type of extension, glazed or otherwise, to comply with the relevant building regulations. When buying a conservatory or from us, you don’t need to worry because we will take care of any building regulation requirements for you.

If creating an open aspect to the property by removing existing doors, for example, this will require SAP calculations to be taken in order to comply with building regulations. SAP stands for ‘Standard Assessment Procedure’ and is the government’s method for calculating the energy performance of properties. We can take care of these too.

What are the popular window and door options for glazed extensions?

Aluminium

Aluminium windows and doors are enjoying incredible popularity at the moment and for good reason; thermally efficient and built to last, aluminium products are renowned for their sleek-looking frames and large areas of glazing which makes it the perfect material for conservatories.

Aluminium products from Doors and Windows Exeter for your conservatory:

• Aluminium bifold doors
• Aluminium lift and slide doors
• Aluminium windows

uPVC

Using uPVC to create your conservatory will enable you to benefit from years of hassle free maintenance and is a more cost effective alternative to timber built conservatories. We offer an eclectic mix of uPVC window and door styles, allowing you to create a unique look for your home, regardless of the, without ever having to compromise on performance.

uPVC products from Doors and Windows Exeter for your conservatory:

• uPVC casement windows
• uPVC flush sash windows
• uPVC vertical sliding sash windows
• Residence collection
• uPVC French and patio back doors

Here to help build your dream glazed extension

If you require any further information, or you have a question we haven’t answered here, don’t hesitate to contact our perceptive team of skilled professionals where you can also get a free, no-obligation quote. We look forward to helping with your door replacement project.