Single storey extension/ conservatory

[abitfunny]

Just looking for some advice...

We're in the process of buying our first house. It's a 3 bed semi and it's lovely, but we know we need a bigger kitchen/living space as soon as financially possible. We have a three year old and another on the way so space is a given really...

We are putting everything we have money wise into the purchase so would need to take out a loan or eventually re-mortgage to cover the costs of an extension. I've looked around and have seen a real variation in prices of single storey extensions, some £20k, some £40k.

My question is, has anyone done it cheaper and still pleased with the result? I actually really like the conservatory style extensions with the velux windows, which would not only give us a really large kitchen/diner, but also keep costs down given that bricks wouldn't have to be laid etc.

A conservatory style extension is not a cheap option if you want to use it all year round. You might not need bricks but you will need to heat it and insulate it. We have an orangery kitchen which is glass on two sides. It has underfloor heating, the most expensive glazing for the walls and ceiling to minimise heat loss. They are more than bricks and windows! You also need the same foundations and high quality finishes. I love my kitchen but it wasn’t a cheap option. You must pay to use it all year round.