Conservatories Fortis Green

We design, supply and build conservatories in Fortis Green, from small lean-tos to Victorian styles and orangeries. This page is for homeowners in Fortis Green who want more living space and more light without a full extension. It covers the main styles, the planning rules that apply locally, what drives the cost and how to keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer.

We are FENSA registered, and every build comes with a 10-year guarantee. To see every style we offer, visit our main conservatories page. For windows, doors and other work in the area, go to our Fortis Green glazing page.

Conservatory Styles That Suit Local Homes

The right style depends on the shape of your house, the size of your garden and how you plan to use the room.

• Victorian. A bay front with three or five facets and a steep, ornate roof. It suits period homes and gives a soft, rounded shape. See our Victorian conservatory page.
• Edwardian. A square or long shape with a flat front. It gives the most usable floor space for its size, so furniture fits with ease.
• Lean-to. A simple, single-slope roof against the back wall. It suits terraced homes, bungalows and spaces under low first-floor windows.
• Gable-fronted. A tall, upright front that lets in lots of light and makes the room feel larger.
• P-shape and T-shape. Two styles joined together, for larger homes that want a dining and a living zone.

On narrow plots in Fortis Green, a lean-to or a small Edwardian often works best. On wider gardens, a Victorian or P-shape can give a real focal point.

Orangery, Garden Room or Conservatory?

If you want a room that feels more like part of the house, a conservatory may not be the only option.

An orangery has brick or rendered piers, a flat roof edge and a glazed lantern in the middle. It has less glass than a conservatory, so it holds heat better. It feels more like an extension.

A garden room uses a solid or tiled roof with some glass. It is warm all year, quiet in the rain and easy to use as a study, play room or snug.

A classic conservatory gives the most light and the closest link to the garden. With modern glass and a good roof, it can be used most of the year. We can show you all three at the survey and help you choose.

Roofs, Glass and Year-Round Comfort

Old conservatories were often too hot in summer and too cold in winter. That is less of a problem now, as long as the roof and glass are right.

• Glass roof. Solar-control, self-cleaning glass keeps out much of the heat and glare. It lets in far more light than a solid roof.
• Solid or tiled roof. Insulated panels with a tiled finish keep the room warm and quiet. You can add roof lights for extra light.
• Polycarbonate. This is now rare on new builds. It is cheap but noisy in rain and loses heat fast.
• Wall glass. Low-E double glazing with argon gas is our standard. For more warmth, ask about triple glazing.

Good airflow matters too. Roof vents, trickle vents and opening windows stop the room getting stuffy. For heating, a radiator on its own valve or electric underfloor heating both work well.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Many conservatories in Fortis Green can be built under permitted development, without a planning application. Some basic limits apply:

• It must be single storey and no more than four metres high.
• On a detached house, it can extend up to four metres from the back wall. On other houses, the limit is three metres.
• Within two metres of a boundary, the eaves can be no higher than three metres.
• It must not cover more than half the garden around the house.
• It must not face a road at the front or side.

These rights do not apply to flats or maisonettes. They can be removed or limited in conservation areas and on listed homes. Always check with the council if you are unsure. On some local streets, an extension built in the past may have used up part of these rights, so we look at the history of the house too.

Most conservatories are exempt from Building Regulations if they are at ground level, under 30 square metres, kept apart from the house by external doors and have their own heating. Safety glass rules still apply. If you want to remove the wall to the house or tie into your central heating, the room will need Building Regulations approval.

What Drives the Cost of a Conservatory

We do not show set prices here, as every home and garden is different. These are the main things that move the cost:

• Size and style. Larger rooms and more complex shapes need more frames, glass and roof work.
• Roof type. Solid or tiled roofs and orangery lanterns cost more than a standard glass roof.
• Frame material. uPVC is the most common. Aluminium gives slimmer frames, and coloured finishes add to the cost.
• Base and walls. Ground conditions, drains and dwarf walls change the amount of building work.
• Glass choice. Solar-control, self-cleaning and triple glazed units add cost but improve comfort.
• Extras. Heating, lights, sockets and flooring all add to the final figure.

After a free survey, we send a written, fixed quote that lists each item. Payment stages are set out in the quote. You can request yours through our quote page.

How a Conservatory Build Runs

We survey, design, quote, build the base, then fit the frames, roof and glass. You get your paperwork and guarantee at the end. Each step is set out on our how we work page.

The base and dwarf walls usually take the longest, as concrete and mortar need time to set. The frame and roof then go up quickly. Most builds take one to three weeks from the first dig to the last check, based on size and roof type. We keep the site tidy, protect your garden as much as we can and clear our waste before we leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can blinds or curtains be added to conservatory glass?

Yes. Roof blinds cut glare and heat in summer and help hold warmth in winter. Pleated and roller blinds work well on the side frames. Some sealed units can have blinds built in between the panes, which keeps them clean. Fit blinds after the glazing is finished, and take care not to drill into the frame where it could let in water.

How do conservatory guarantees work?

Our builds come with a 10-year guarantee on the frames, sealed units and our fitting work. Moving parts such as hinges and locks also have cover. We give you all the paperwork when the job is finished, along with your FENSA certificate. Keep these safe, as you may need them when you sell the house.

Can an existing conservatory be turned into a year-round room?

Often, yes. Swapping a glass or polycarbonate roof for an insulated solid roof makes a big difference to warmth and noise. New glass in the side frames helps too. If the frames and base are sound, this can cost less than a new build. A change like this may need Building Regulations approval, and we will check for you.

What upkeep does a conservatory need?

Not much. Wash the frames and glass two or three times a year with warm soapy water. Clear leaves from the gutters each autumn so rain can drain away. Check the seals and vents in spring, and oil hinges and locks once a year. Self-cleaning roof glass needs only a rinse with a hose now and then.

Is planning permission needed in a conservation area?

Possibly. Permitted development rights can be limited in conservation areas, especially for side extensions or work visible from the street. A rear conservatory may still be allowed, but it is best to check with the council first. We can supply drawings and product details to support an enquiry or a planning application.

Thinking about a conservatory in Fortis Green? We also build across East Finchley. Book your free design visit and we will measure up and send you a written quote.