Can a Conservatory be Changed into an Extension?

The "Boomerang Generation" are causing big problems for parents.

That’s the nickname given to offspring who flee the nest, only to return due to several reasons, including lack of a job, money problems or issues with their love-life.

Research by the London School of Economics has found that rather than getting out the balloons and the party-poppers to welcome them back, most parents suffer a decline in their quality of life and wellbeing.

According to the report, when children leave the family home, marital relationships improve, and parents find a new equilibrium, enjoying their freedom by taking up hobbies and activities. When the kids move back in, all of that goes out of the window.

Considering about a quarter of young adults in the UK are living with their parents – the highest number since records began in 1996 – the odds are high many will be reading this article nodding their head in agreement!

If so, there could be a solution that might help ease tensions all round.

The more room a home has, the happier the occupants. There’s space to relax, cook, entertain, study, hang-out – or just escape!

If you have a conservatory you might want to consider converting it to an extension to give you, and your offspring, some additional space.

Conservatories are extremely versatile, but if you have one you rarely use, or don’t use to its full potential, you might be contemplating transforming it into a proper room to give yourself extra room to breathe and increase the value of your property.

Depending on the structure and foundations of your conservatory, renovation could be easier than you think, especially if your conservatory has a brick-base and solid foundations.

You could combine a conservatory and an extension by adding a solid roof. To comply with Building Regulations, it is advisable to keep as much glazing as possible in your conservatory. Skylights can be incorporated into a solid tiled roof to allow in light. A full survey may need to be carried out to ensure your conservatory can cope with the weight of a tiled roof.

If you’re changing the structure of your property in any way, you may need to apply for planning permission. You can find out more and, if necessary, apply online.

The likelihood is it will be necessary to replace your uPVC windows and doors so they’re sturdier, more secure and better suit the design, style and purpose of your new extension.

If the thought of how much this is all going to set you back is acting as a deterrent, it is reassuring to know that the new generation of uPVC windows and doors can greatly cut the cost of your energy bills and add considerable value to your property. Choose wisely and they can offer noise reduction and heat retention properties.

Some Independent Network installers offer great finance deals to meet all budgets, so you can spread the cost too if that makes your dream more achievable.

Independent Network installers offer a huge range of the best uPVC windows and doors on the market today. Whatever your type of property, whether it’s traditional or contemporary, period or heritage, and whatever your style, there is a superior quality range designed to add value to your home.

You won’t need to choose between beauty and efficiency –  all the uPVC windows and doors are designed to look amazing and perform impeccably. That’s probably more than you can say about those Boomerangs!  Get in touch today and see how we can help you put the ‘Welcome’ mat out.