When we first visit a potential client to advise them on their new conservatory project - one of the first things they want help with is to determine how big the new building should be. The challenge with every project we undertake is to maximise the value for money for each building, to provide the most useable space - whilst remaining within budget and crucially - within the permitted development rules dictated by local council regulations.
Whilst there is no accurate definition of a standard sized conservatory. Generally we find that most conservatories we are asked to build are approximately 4m wide x 3m projection. This provides a very decent 12m sq of new area to your home’s footprint. These measurements are external dimensions so please always bear in mind that the internal useable space will be slightly less than this once you allow for a double skin of brickwork around the perimeter. This is a perfectly reasonable size for a conservatory. At this size you can comfortably house a sofa, a desk and still have space for a chair to sit in & enjoy your new space. Or alternatively you could kit out your new space with a dining table or even a complete home gym.
According to LABC (Local Authority Building Control) the average size of Living rooms in the UK has been steadily shrinking over the decades. On average now a typical Living room is 17m sq. Therefore - by adding a 12m sq conservatory you are adding an additional 70% of extra living space. This is a significant increase and will only serve to make your home more saleable and valuable should you ever decide to sell.
We find that conservatories are usually wider than they are longer. Most people prefer to make use of the width of their home & garden rather than eat into their garden space. Please remember that under current regulations you are very much unrestricted in the width of your home improvement - but the projection into the garden is much more restricted.
If you require more information please don’t hesitate to contact us - we would be delighted to help. If a 10 minute video call would help in the first instance then please feel free to schedule a call with us and we will be only too happy to share our knowledge and experience with you.