is it much cheaper to do a conservatory than an extension?

[mulranno]

see people quoting £1000/m2 for a basic extension - how much can you do a basic conservatory for?.....what is the smallest size you can build to house a small dining/breakfast table?....is it cheaper to buy a kit from B&Q or get a builder to do one?...do you need planning permission or building regs?....can you build one to the from of your house....like big porch ... or are there restrictions?

...anyone?

Conservatories don't need planning permission but there are tight rules about how big, how much glass they have to be etc look here. www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/conservatories/

Extensions do need planning permission. Key thing is extensions can be bigger than conservatories, they can be two floors, and you can heat them through gas central heating or put a kitchen in them or whatever. Same site will give you extension info.

Don't know abut builders and costs and kits

Extensions don't need planning permission as long as you remain within the permitted development rights.

Are conservatories cheaper? Well some are, some aren't, depends on your spec - they are generally less heat efficient, the often leak, are too hot in the summer and are freezing cold in the winter, they are imo a bit of a fashion fad that has had its day.

We have just ripped down our conservatory - I was glad to see the back of it. Can you tell I'm not a fan.

I'm not a fan of conservatories either, for the reasons Pinkcushion outlined. Ours is coming down soon too and I can't wait. For us, it just doesn't deliver as it is not easily usable 24/7 52 weeks of the year. Plus it is west facing and it's like an oven. It's the bane of my life.

Regarding putting one on the front of your house, I think you have to have PP to do stuff at the front, regardless of size. It's on the planning portal.

Imo and ime, if you can choose, go for an extension.