Can I turn my conservatory into an extension?

Question

Hi all, 
I have a conservatory attached to the house currently which features a dwarf wall. I was wondering if it would be possible to convert the conservatory, building from the dwarf wall upwards. It has a concrete floor and significant footings from what I can tell. 
Can this be converted into a single storey extension? 
Would anybody know if this is feasible or if it would be cheaper than a completely new extension? 
Many Thanks

David · Accepted Answer

Hello
As this would be an extension, it would still need to be permissible and accepted by any applicable building regulations (IE – the size, how close to boundaries, etc). 
In particular, the footings will need to be checked – for a single storey extension they will need to be at least 1 metre deep and 60cm wide. If not, then you would need to demolish the conservatory to have the footings set correctly for the extension anyway, I’m afraid. 
This can be checked by digging some trial holes around the perimeter of your conservatory to check, I would recommend checking with 3 holes in different places along of the perimeter. 
If the footings did meet these required building regulations, then you could potentially convert the conservatory, however, this would still require correct planning from an architect, receive planning permission (depending on size) and meet all other building regulations. 
It would still require removing the conservatory fixtures to building from the walls. Potentially the corners could be underpinned and have catnics along the wall areas – but the feasibility of these options may depend on your specific circumstances, so it is best discussed with your architect or structural engineer. 
Overall, it is most likely that you will need to demolish the conservatory in the process, as the footings/foundations are unlikely to be sufficient. 
I hope this helps!

Philip Patrick · Answer

Yes you can,but you will have to upgrade your foundations if they are not wide enough,or deep enough,you will have to have an insulated cavity wall, i.e 2 skins,regards, Phil Grant.

James · Answer

To be honest conservatories are not the same speck as a single story extension.  Footings are not usually the same depth and concrete not the same thickness as a single story extension. The building inspector will not pass what he can't see. You can dig pilot holes at the side of the wall to check the footings but to be honest I think you'd be better off taking it down and starting again.. James

Daniel · Answer

Yes you can. If you use a cosy roof or metro tile roof system it is a lot cheaper and great looking way of converting a conservatory to extension without the need for planning permission.

Michael · Answer

As long as you have planning permission and the footings are deep enough this wouldn't be a problem. But the footings are what would be needed to check first, if there isn't enough footing for the new weight of the building you could be having to dig that all out and start again.

Peter · Answer

The conservatory can be converted subject to the footing being of the correct size. It would be cheaper than a standard extension as the majority of the in the ground and drainage cost should have been dealt with under the building regulations.

regards WIDNES JOINERY

Gary · Answer

Yes this can be done my company done a similar job at the beginning of the year as long as the foundation is suitable to take the weight of the new building

Dominic · Answer

Yes you can just make sure the footings are set to the right place and dept

Isaaq · Answer

Probably not as the footing dug and built for the conservatory will not be sufficient for a full extension. Hope I helped.

Brad · Answer

It could be feasible to do so as long as the footings are strong enough to take the extra weight ie more brickwork roofing etc

Can I turn my conservatory into an extension?

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