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Changing conservatory into extension

We have a conservatory on the back of our house. About 13 ft by 8 ft. It has central heating, one of the large walls is the house, one of the smaller is full brick. The other 2 are dwarf brick. I don't know what the footings are like, but it currently has a glass roof. We're looking to take off the glass roof and put on a proper tiled roof. We want to go through building regs/ planning and make this a formal living space. Is this possible? I do want it done properly, not a tile effect conservatory roof as I don't think that adds any value in the way that a proper extension does. We live in the south east. Thanks.

Yestherfreecycle 10th Jun, 2012 Conversions - General
5 Answers u3
A

Depending on the depth of the foundation, extension needs to be a minimum 1 metre.

Bootle Builders 11th Jun, 2012
A

You will need to do trial holes on the footings to make sure they are 1m, if this was done by a conservatory company chances are they are not. They generally skimp on this area as there are no regs on conservatories, so pound to a penny they will be no deeper than 500mm. This means you will have to underpin and in this case it is generally cheaper to demolish and start again

substructure 11th Jun, 2012
A

Yes it is possible

Although it would be better if you post this as a Job.

You will then get a professional opinion and an estimate for the works

SBS Ltd 11th Jun, 2012
A

Bootle and substructure are correct.This is why I'm anti conservatory. Might as well have a shack on the side of your house in monetary terms. Best off completely starting again my friend.

Roc builders 11th Jun, 2012
A

Hi,
I have to agree with all of the comments. With so many variables you may be better off considering removing the existing structure and starting again. It's not just foundations that need to be up to meeting the current building regulations, but the conservatory base, dwarf and supporting walls need to be strong enough to support the new roof and meet current values for insulation.

A conservatory is not normally classed as a habitable room so very rarely do they ever meet the required regulations, Part L conservation of fuel and power.

To start, a good local builder could help you answer some of these questions and may even be able to have a look at designing your new extension along with planning and/or building regulations for an appropriate fee or at least point you in the right direction.

Bowen Developments Limited 22nd Jun, 2012
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