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Original poster

Is it a bad idea to get a glass extension

54 replies

user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 11:30

Hi there,

We've gone out to quote for getting a glass extension on our house. It'll be tied into the lounge with no external door but will have underfloor heating, triple glazing etc. We don't want a full structural extension for many reasons (money, although we could get enough if needed, time for structure to be built (young kids and bad house layout for that), restricted footprint so don't want thick walls, etc). But the last guy to quote was heavily leaning towards full extension and basically said people wouldn't want anything like a conservatory so it'd be hard to sell. But I genuinely see these modern glass extensions and think they're lovely! And in our case, opening the back door to use our tumble dryer in the old conservatory makes the lounge far far colder than a glazed extension would any day! Thoughts?

Is it a bad idea to get a glass extension
OP posts:
Thread gallery
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stillfeelingmad · 15/12/2020 11:35

That's an orangery and they're lovely when properly done, it still has substantial walls and roof but Includes lots of windows and roof lantern!

user1497207191 · 15/12/2020 11:40

IF done using top quality glass (i..e triple glazed, sun reflection coating, etc), then it's fine. We had an old conservatory with plastic sheet roofing and it was awful - too cold in winter, too hot in summer. We replaced it with the best quality glass roof and windows and it's now just like another room. People complain about conservatories because of bad experience with the older/cheaper ones. A glass extension with quality glass (windows, doors AND any ceiling lights) will be absolutely fine. Just check that you're getting top quality - you can research online to check what you're being quoted for.

HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 11:41

That would be classed as an orangery extension and its nothing like a conservatory. Im just about to do mine if you need an idea on cost

minipie · 15/12/2020 11:48

your pictures are of a proper extension though, not what I would call a glass extension or a conservatory? It’s got lots of glass but also plenty of block/brick and steel. Not sure why you wouldn’t class this as a full structural extension, is it that you wouldn’t be knocking through?

hgaj · 15/12/2020 11:50

No, buyers wont want an open plan extension which fails building regs! Are you sure the modern glass extensions you've seen are not "full structural extensions" (I can't see anything to suggest the one you've posted pictures of isn't)?

Sprig1 · 15/12/2020 11:50

I would say that to build an orangery style add on is not going to be any cheaper than a standard style extension, in fact quite possibly more expensive.

HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 11:52

No, buyers wont want an open plan extension which fails building regs!

Why would it fail building regs?

Myunhappyfeet · 15/12/2020 11:54

I think it largely depends on your house - if you have a well kept and massive garden or uninterrupted views of the South downs I'm sure it will be great.

An orangery style structure like in your picture would be lovely, but that isn't what you've described. The glass box thing is a bit marmite but if you're not planning on moving and have budgeted for suitable blinds to control the heat/glare then why not.

Original poster
user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 11:55

Massively confused about the difference to be honest!!!! But I did post up the wrong picture, this is the one I have asked about. It will have some solid walls and then lots of glazing. Hopefully high quality, the reviews are great! We've been quoted around £35000 for it finished. The company do conservatories but also these structural extensioms, but the guy today just kept saying no that'll count as a temporary construction!

Is it a bad idea to get a glass extension
Is it a bad idea to get a glass extension
Is it a bad idea to get a glass extension
OP posts:
HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 11:58

You have two different things posted there. That exterior picture you have posted is just a conservatory. Bad plan in this country and won't add value to your house. The interior pictures show solid wall and a glass lantern which is an orangery.

AcornAutumn · 15/12/2020 11:59

It will be boiling in summer and freezing in winter.

Original poster
user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 12:00

@HasaDigaEebowai

You have two different things posted there. That exterior picture you have posted is just a conservatory. Bad plan in this country and won't add value to your house. The interior pictures show solid wall and a glass lantern which is an orangery.
The last three pictures are all of the same construction. That's what it looks like outside/inside x
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HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 12:00

I think theyre actually a bit misleading because it looks like its all the same project Confused

HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 12:01

Do you have two solid walls in place?

BiscuitDrama · 15/12/2020 12:02

So it’s glass at the front and then wrapping round the sides a bit.

It’s an extension with a lot of glass.

Original poster
user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 12:03

Yes we can have two solid walls, or might do one solid and one dwarf wall. Possibly it is an orangery ha?

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BiscuitDrama · 15/12/2020 12:05

So the question is really what window:wall ratio to have in an extension.

minipie · 15/12/2020 12:07

Ok yes that’s different. I’d call that a conservatory but it’s a much nicer more solid one than the old style pvc efforts.

I think it’s nice but can’t see why it would be much less expensive than an extension with more wall/roof and less glass.

I also agree you will need to think carefully about heating and cooling especially if you are S facing as you’re basically sticking a greenhouse on the back.

Original poster
user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 12:10

@minipie

Ok yes that’s different. I’d call that a conservatory but it’s a much nicer more solid one than the old style pvc efforts.

I think it’s nice but can’t see why it would be much less expensive than an extension with more wall/roof and less glass.

I also agree you will need to think carefully about heating and cooling especially if you are S facing as you’re basically sticking a greenhouse on the back.

Thanks! Yes I think these are all questions we'll need to ask. We're SE facing, mainly E though so not too bad. I'll look into what he's quoting for. I don't think it's much much cheaper than the other company. He quoted 30-40k, and the second company was 45-50k with less glass.
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Clymene · 15/12/2020 12:21

That 3rd picture is definitely not from the same project - there is a wall on the rear elevation!

LooksLikeImStuckHere · 15/12/2020 12:24

How big is it? We did a 6x4 extension that was cheaper than your quote (SE). Glass costs money.

I think it would also be hot given your SE position and I’d probably go for a proper roof in preference.

HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 12:24

I think one of the pictures is flipped.

I think your quote is high. I'm in the midlands and have been quoted £36k for a 6 x 3.5 orangery extension like this (photo is larger but same principle)

Is it a bad idea to get a glass extension
Original poster
user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 12:29

@Clymene

That 3rd picture is definitely not from the same project - there is a wall on the rear elevation!
Ha they are definitely all the same project, if you look carefully all the pics correspond x
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Original poster
user1477259453 · 15/12/2020 12:34

@LooksLikeImStuckHere

How big is it? We did a 6x4 extension that was cheaper than your quote (SE). Glass costs money.

I think it would also be hot given your SE position and I’d probably go for a proper roof in preference.

Really? We are keen for a certain amount of glass but normal extensions we've had quoted at 30-50k. We're near Chichester and everything seems to cost a fortune. I didn't think 30-40 was too bad though x
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myhobbyisouting · 15/12/2020 12:35

Wow. Those photos are confusing 😂 they've moved the table too.

I don't like how it looks from the outside but I do from the inside. The noise of rain on a glass roof is off putting so no, I'd go for an actual extension personally