Conservatory made into extension?

[catchyjem]

Hi, I'm going to view a property that I'm really interested in but one thing that's concerning me is that the description says it has cleverly converted the conservatory into a kitchen/ dining area. The pictures look like a proper extension rather than conservatory. I'm new to this so I suppose I'm wondering what questions should I be asking about it when I go to view? Is this something to worry about or am I over thinking it?

We are looking into doing this to our house, so I know a little bit. I expect they've put a warm roof on. Things to think about there are whether the conservatory foundations were OK, whether the conservatory structure was sound, whether it was quite new or more old and how good the thermal insulation is.

They might have taken down doors into the room and also levelled the floor. If they have taken down doors then they would need building regs for that.

So I would ask whether they have got planning permission or had it signed off by building regs. How old the conservatory was. How easy it is to maintain room temperature. And whether they ever get condensation.

Let me know if it seems any good, I can't decide if it'll be money well spent or not!

By thermal insulation I am meaning more how good the glass windows are.

Thanks! That's really helpful. It looks like there are still sliding doors into the main house but the conservatory part is only glass along the back wall into the garden. The side walls and ceiling look solid. I was thinking heating might be an issue but hadn't thought about condensation, but perhaps that's less of an issue if there isn't as much glass? I'll need to ask about planning permission and building regs. I suppose that's my main concern that's it's been done properly and not just some kind of diy job!

Check whether it's been damp proofed as we moved into a house with a conservatory with an inadequate one and it was rising through the floor coverings. Likewise ask about wall insulation. You need to find out about the terms planning permission as I think a conservatory doesn't need it but an extension does

Do not buy the house OP unless you can afford to knock down the conservatory. Unless the seller paid for an Orangery (which costs about 100K) you will be buying a cold, useless, damp, addition to your house. Our surveyor told us the conservatory took away from the house - we bought it anyway and stupidly, did not knock it down when we refurbished. We now have to knock it down as it is beyond saving and is most definitely detracting from our lovely home.

And do not trust anyone who converts a conservatory into a room - it is not a proper extension with foundations and a roof, it is still a conservatory with "insulation". The person couldn't afford to build an extension so did a cheap job, but you will suffer the consequences.

I don't know if I agree with the above post in all cases. A friend of mine converted her conservatory into a room, the insulation is really good, they've taken down internal doors and use it as a dining room. She paid £8k for the conversion and says it was money well spent. It's honestly just part of the main house now.

However if I convert mine I worry it will be like the post above says! I do think it depends on what they started with.

It's at the top end of our budget so if this conservatory/ extension looks like it will be problematic then we won't put an offer in. I'd still like to view the place though and ask some questions as otherwise it looks like a great house.