Conservatory - replace or upgrade?

[Kate6000]

We have a conservatory that was built around the same time as the house 20 years ago.

Since we moved in 5 years ago we have used it as a play room to dump toys as its either too hot or too cold and gets mouldy and musty through winter.

When we got our windows done a few years ago the glazing company said it would be around 8k to upgrade it but we didn't go through the details. Neighbours have removed theirs and replaced with an extension which was £30k

Does swapping the windows and roof make it habitable all year (looking for it to be somewhere the kids can watch tv etc) or would we be throwing good money after bad?

Thanks

Knock it down and build an extension.

@SeasonFinale

Knock it down and build an extension.

I agree.

We did this - you might be able to sell the conservatory on eBay.

Agree too. I could have written your post! Our quote to knock down and rebuild with a new conservatory with one brick wall and a solid tiled roof was just over £13000. Seen a couple in the flesh and just as good as a single extension for which quotes were about £35000. Didn't get it done as ended up selling.

@Kate6000

We have a conservatory that was built around the same time as the house 20 years ago.

Since we moved in 5 years ago we have used it as a play room to dump toys as its either too hot or too cold and gets mouldy and musty through winter.

When we got our windows done a few years ago the glazing company said it would be around 8k to upgrade it but we didn't go through the details. Neighbours have removed theirs and replaced with an extension which was £30k

Does swapping the windows and roof make it habitable all year (looking for it to be somewhere the kids can watch tv etc) or would we be throwing good money after bad?

Thanks

Yes, replacing the windows and roof with modern, energy efficient glass, does make them habitable all year. It’s what we did, cost around 8k and we’re delighted with in. Now use it all year round. It’s the old fashioned plastic roofing that’s the problem and a modern glass roof is far better.

Thanks all, this topic always seems to divide opinion

We live in an area with no permitted development rights so everything needs planning permission which always makes anything a royal pain before you even look at the extra 20k+ to make it an official room

As its going to be a teen hangout an extension could be wasted on them but obviously want something that works

Why would it be wasted as a teen hang out? Aren't they entitled to a decent room as much as anyone?
As you would be replacing rather than a new extension would you still need planning?
I think making it a proper extension will add value to your house overall.

I agree that a proper extension would add value. ALso I write off houses when buying that have conservatories (unless I am happy with the idea that it will be demolished and either left without or replaced with a proper room).

Go for an extension. We got rid of the conservatory and needed planning for the extension but would not be without it now.

If we move again and there is a conservatory (it would have to be good) it would be on the list to demolish and extend.

Yes, replacing the windows and roof with modern, energy efficient glass, does make them habitable all year. It’s what we did, cost around 8k and we’re delighted with in. Now use it all year round. It’s the old fashioned plastic roofing that’s the problem and a modern glass roof is far better.
This.
MN isn't keen on conservatories so you will get loads of posts telling you to burn it down. However, people don't seem to have realised that conservatories have evolved. Modern glass has all sorts of properties: reflects solar glare (no over-heating), energy-efficient (retains heat), self-cleaning. They let in more light than polycarbonate and don't have the rainfall-noise.

We replaced all the windows and roof and installed underfloor heating. Yes it can still get hot in summer but we open the roof vents which helps. A bit of sun on a winters day and it’s fab to sit in as warms up quick. Ours forms part of our kitchen so an extension of the room rather than a separate room.