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myLean-To Conservatory Cost
At a Glance
- The average lean-to conservatory cost is around £5,800.
- Lean-to conservatories take between 7 to 10 days to build.
- A breakdown of the average lean-to conservatory cost for different types of material.
- How long it will take a professional conservatory company to build a lean-to conservatory, and an idea of the steps involved.
- How to find and hire a local conservatory builder near you.
What is a lean-to conservatory?
A lean-to conservatory is an additional room which has a flat, angled, sloping roof. It's the simplest and quickest type of conservatory to build, working well in small spaces, and is easily the most popular type of conservatory in the UK.
How much does an average lean-to conservatory cost?
In the UK, lean-to conservatories cost around £5,800. The exact figure will depend on the size, materials used, and complexity of the design.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the cost of a new lean-to conservatory in the UK. This includes a breakdown of conservatory prices, other jobs you might want to get done at the same time, and much more!
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£5,800
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Lean-To Conservatory Cost?
So, how much does it cost to build a conservatory?
Lean-to conservatory prices vary depending on the exact size, material, and design. The typical lean-to conservatory cost is £5,800, taking between 7 and 10 days to construct.
Although lean-to conservatories are basic in design, there's a range of different options for the roof, walls, and framework, which give a lot of versatility, allowing you to adapt to suit almost any property.
A lean-to conservatory can be used in a number of ways, most commonly as an office, dining room or second lounge. The low-pitched roof works well in awkward spaces, and is a good choice for bungalows or small terraced properties.
Opting for a lean-to conservatory is far more affordable than the cost of a conservatory, which can be around £15,000 on average.
I'm thinking of getting a conservatory, but I'm worried that it will have a negative impact on our home's energy efficiency. Are some conservatories more thermally efficient than others?
"I would lean toward a solid roof system, with very low U-values. You can make the new room very energy efficient by installing triple-glazed units, instead of the conventional double-glazed units. The floor is an important part of the equation too, it needs to be insulated with effective insulation panels, to give enhanced heat retention."
Lean-To Conservatory Prices
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lay a good thick concrete base for a typical lean-to conservatory | 2 days | £715 | £570 |
| To add three, 600mm high insulated cavity walls | 1 day | £385 | £285 |
| 4m x 2m uPVC conservatory kit (supply only) | N/A | £3,300 | £0 |
| 4m x 2m uPVC conservatory with polycarbonate roof and concrete base | 3 weeks | £4,400 | £5,200 |
Which Lean-To Conservatory Material is Best?
The main materials you'll choose from when building a lean-to conservatory are:
- uPVC
- Aluminium
- Hardwood
Depending on the material you choose, you'll encounter a different price:
Lean-To Conservatory Prices by Material
| Type of Material | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £5,500 - £6,000 |
| Aluminium | £7,000 - £8,000 |
| Hardwood | £9,000 - £12,000 |
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Now, let's take a closer look at their individual prices in relation to their pros and cons to help you make a decision.
uPVC Lean-To Conservatory Cost
uPVC is by far the cheapest material for lean-to conservatories, as well as replacement windows and doors. uPVC frames are almost as durable as aluminium but require little to no maintenance - and are much more affordable.
uPVC lean-to conservatories cost between £5,500 to £6,000.
Pros
- ✔ Affordable, readily available - especially for standard-size builds
- ✔ Low maintenance
- ✔ Good energy efficiency
Cons
- ✖ uPVC can discolour over time
- ✖ Plastic might not be the most characterful choice for a lean-to conservatory
- ✖ Not easy to adapt for custom sizing
Are lean-to conservatories prone to leaking?
"Not if fitted correctly, most common problems arise when the wrong pitch has been applied."
Aluminium Lean-To Conservatory Cost
Aluminium is more expensive than uPVC. This is because the material is stronger, allowing for thinner frames with more glass, which can enhance the appearance of your lean-to conservatory.
Aluminium lean-to conservatories cost between £7,000 to £8,000.
Pros
- ✔ Modern, sleek lines and better visibility from thin frames
- ✔ Durable, strong material
- ✔ Won't warp
Cons
- ✖ Higher upfront cost compared to uPVC
- ✖ Can be less insulating than uPVC
- ✖ Sleek appearance may look stark against more traditional, characterful properties
Hardwood Lean-To Conservatory Cost
Hardwood lean-to frames look best in older, traditional properties - especially those in conservation areas. But, wood is not as durable as an aluminium or uPVC lean-to conservatory, and the timber will require a lot of maintenance over the years.
Hardwood lean-to conservatories cost between £9,000 to £12,000.
Pros
- ✔ Traditional, classic appearance
- ✔ Timber is naturally insulating
- ✔ If constructed to a high standard, timber lean-to conservatories can add value to your home
Cons
- ✖ Significantly more maintenance required than uPVC or aluminium lean-to conservatories
- ✖ High up-front cost, as well as the ongoing cost of maintenance
- ✖ Can be susceptible to rot, warping, and pest infestations
Just trying to find out if it could be cheaper to buy a conservatory and find a builder who could install it without doing any finishing work?
"It would be cheaper to hire a builder who could get the materials at trade price. Conservatory companies would be excessively more expensive."
Can I Build a Lean-To Conservatory Myself?
If you're looking to save on labour costs, you can build a lean-to conservatory yourself using a pre-made kit. Doing this can save you between 30% to 50% of the total cost.
There are some things to bear in mind before you take on this task:
- Make Sure Your Measurements Are Correct - Check your measurements, both in terms of the conservatory size and the space that you have allowed. Most conservatory frames and other parts come with a guarantee, but this will not be of any help if the conservatory does not fit the base you intend to lay it on. Any alterations or modifications will likely invalidate the guarantee.
- Confirm Your Design - Most DIY conservatory kits are modular, made up of standard-size parts which fit together and are often interchangeable, which means that you can change the door position to suit.
- Check If You Need Planning Permission - In some cases, a planning permission application will be required for a DIY lean-to conservatory, which can take up to 10 weeks for approval - even if doing a DIY build.
When you're happy with the preliminary steps, you can order your lean-to conservatory kit and move forward with its construction.
How Do I Build a Lean-To Conservatory Kit?
The actual fitting of a lean-to conservatory kit is quite an easy job, requiring basic DIY skills and patience. Most DIY conservatory kits come with full instructions, so you should be able to assemble everything relatively painlessly.
Here are the general steps you'll take when constructing a lean-to conservatory kit:
- Once you've received your conservatory kit, check you have everything. Double-check sizes, then lay out all the frames in the right positions to begin the construction.
- Before you build the conservatory, you'll need to construct a solid base first.
- Once the base is down and has had time to dry, then you can construct the dwarf walls (if applicable).
- If you require electrical sockets, ceiling fans, or internet connections, plan these services out before constructing the dwarf walls. Always contact a qualified electrician for help and advice in terms of when these items can and should be installed.
- All the fixings required should be included, so just fix the frames securely in place, then fit the window glass and beads.
- Finally, seal all joints and then finish the interior to your requirements.
What Are The Building Requirements for Lean-To Conservatories?
A standard lean-to conservatory on the back of a house is unlikely to require planning permission. As long as your lean-to conservatory falls within permitted development rights, you won't typically need planning permission in the UK.
This means your lean-to conservatory must meet the following criteria:
- The conservatory is built at ground level
- The entire floor area is under 30m²
- The conservatory is separated by the main house with an external quality door or window
- The walls and roof are mostly glazed
- Any electrical work carried out has been completed by a competent Part P registered electrician
We have a glass conservatory roof. What's the cheapest way to insulate and cover it so it looks like a room with a ceiling?
"There's no safe and secure way to do this. The roofs aren't designed to take the additional weight. They become very unstable and begin to leak. In some instances, it collapses. The only real way is to fully remove the existing roof and fully replace it with a lightweight roof kit.
Checklist: How to Find and Hire a Lean-To Conservatory Specialist Near Me
When the time comes to get your lean-to conservatory built, here's what we suggest you bear in mind when choosing a trader:
- Gather at least 3 quotes from different conservatory specialists using MyJobQuote to check your local price range.
- Ensure all quotes are itemised so you can see what's included - and what's not.
- Be sure to ask about waste removal, skip hire, and scaffolding hire (if applicable) and if you need to arrange for that yourself.
- Take a look at the trader's past projects - look at photographs or videos of their projects to get an idea of the quality of their work.
- Read over the trader's customer reviews, paying attention to any comments on timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and general quality.
- Remember to ask about any warranties or guarantees associated with the build of the lean-to conservatory.
FAQs
Should I use wood, aluminium or uPVC frames?
Hardwood frames are most often used in traditional homes for their classic appearance. Aluminium is more expensive and stronger than uPVC, but uPVC is by far the most popular material thanks to its affordability. The choice comes down to personal preference, budget, and your individual requirements.
Do I need conservatory planning permission?
Most conservatories come under permitted development, so in most cases, you won't require planning permission. If building a standard lean-to conservatory at the back of the house, it's unlikely you will need any permission unless in a conservation area, but it's best to seek advice from your local authority if you're unsure.
How long does it take to get a conservatory once ordered?
The average time is around 6 to 8 working weeks from making the order if planning permission isn't required.
What do I do with my old conservatory?
Before throwing your old conservatory away, you can try to sell it. There's a healthy market for second-hand conservatories, particularly aluminium-framed conservatories, which are more durable.
