Do you need a door between the kitchen and the conservatory?

Whether you need a door between your kitchen and a conservatory depends on how you want to use the space. If you intend to use the conservatory as a distinct area for dining, a kids’ playroom, or just a separate function room altogether, dividing the two areas means that you can get more use out of them.

However, if you are planning to create an open-plan space by extending the kitchen or dining room into the conservatory, then doors might appear out of place and disrupt the flow of your home.

For homeowners looking to integrate the conservatory into their home without doors, it’s crucial to ensure that the new conservatory is constructed with thermal efficiency in mind. An open-plan conservatory must be insulated to keep your home from getting too hot or too cold in the varying seasons. To achieve this, you will need to carefully consider the materials used in the structure, including the windows, glass panels, flooring and ceiling.

Also, keep in mind that if you remove doors that already exist between your home and conservatory, then you will likely need to get approval from your local Building Regulators.

Can I merge an existing conservatory with my kitchen, or does it need to be a new structure?

If your older conservatory has seen better days and you are considering transforming it into a kitchen extension, then you’re in luck. Yes, it is possible to renovate an old conservatory and turn it into a kitchen extension. It is a great way to get the kitchen design you’ve always dreamt of, including kitchen islands, more shelf space or a dining area at an affordable cost.

At Oakley Green, we specialise in both replacing and installing kitchen conservatories, no matter your design preferences.

We can breathe life into your old conservatory by replacing both the structure and glass. One of the most popular reasons homeowners replace their conservatories is to create a beautiful new kitchen extension, and we have years of expertise to get the job done at the highest quality. On the other hand, we are also able to build modern kitchen extensions from scratch if you do not already have an existing conservatory.

Do you need permission to extend a kitchen?

Depending on the specifications and the size of your conservatory, you may need planning permission. Unfortunately, carrying out kitchen extensions via a conservatory is not always the quickest approval process due to the rules and regulations.

It’s important to understand that obtaining the necessary permissions can take time, but it is a critical step in ensuring your kitchen extension is safe and compliant with Building Regulations and planning permission. By working with seasoned professionals, such as Oakley Green, you can streamline the process and make sure your new extension meets all legal requirements.

You will need to obtain planning permission for your kitchen conservatory if:

• The conservatory is higher than 4m (or 3m high if within 2m of a boundary)
• The top point of the conservatory is higher than the eaves of the property’s roof
• The conservatory covers more than half the garden space
• If it is a side extension that extends more than half the width of the home

You will need to obtain Building Regulations permission if:

• The floor area of the kitchen extension is more than 30m2 (if the conservatory is completely or partly glazed)
• A window or door is not present between the main house and the conservatory
• The kitchen conservatory is built above more than just ground level

Please always make sure to check with your local authorities for your area’s specific requirements.

Can I move my kitchen to another room without planning permission?

If you are considering relocating your kitchen to an entirely different room in your home, you will need to obtain permission from your local Building Regulators. The process of moving your kitchen involves significant modifications to your home’s electrical and plumbing systems. This means the safety of the new electrics and gas will need to be installed, approved and certified by professional tradesmen. Once this is done, you will be able to provide the certificates to gain approval from the local authorities.

Is it cheaper to have an extension or a conservatory?

While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, when it comes to kitchen extension, a ground-floor house extension is generally much more costly than a conservatory, even if they are built to be the same size. This is because conservatories tend to require less structural support. Extensions tend to be priced based on square footage, whereas conservatories are priced based on materials and construction.

What are the benefits of having kitchen conservatories?

There are many benefits to extending your kitchen using a conservatory, including:

• It is a more cost-effective way of extending your home rather than a traditional brick extension.
• A conservatory kitchen extension can provide extra space, giving you a larger kitchen and more room for storage.
• Kitchen conservatories allow an abundance of natural light to enter, creating a light, bright and airy atmosphere.
• You can enjoy cooking, eating or entertaining whilst connecting with the outdoors, bringing the beauty of nature indoors.
• By using a conservatory to extend your kitchen, you will increase the value of your property.

If you are looking for more information on conservatory kitchen extensions, contact us today!