Conservatories Wimbledon Chase

We design and build conservatories in Wimbledon Chase for homeowners who want more space, more light and a room they can use all year. This page explains the styles and roofs that suit local homes, the planning rules, what drives the cost and how we build.

We handle the whole job, from the base to the last seal. We are FENSA registered, and each build comes with a 10-year guarantee. For the full range of designs, see our main conservatories page.

Conservatory Styles for Wimbledon Chase Homes

The right style depends on your house, your garden and how you plan to use the room. These are the ones we build most:

• Lean-to. A simple sloped roof against the back wall. It suits bungalows, terraces and gardens with little depth. It is often the lowest-cost option.
• Victorian. A faceted, rounded front with a steep, ornate roof. It suits period homes and gives a classic look.
• Edwardian. A square or oblong shape with a flat front. It makes the best use of floor space, so it is good for a dining room or lounge.
• Gable-fronted. A tall, upright front that lets in lots of light. It suits taller houses.
• P-shaped and T-shaped. Larger layouts that mix two styles. They can create two zones, such as a lounge and a dining area.

If your front room has a bay, a matching bay window can tie the look of the house together.

In Wimbledon Chase, we often see older lean-tos with tired polycarbonate roofs. Many owners now want a room they can use in winter too. A new build with a solid or hybrid roof is the usual answer. We look at your house, your garden and the street before we suggest a style.

Roof Choices Compared

The roof makes the biggest difference to how warm and quiet the room feels.

• Glass roof. The most light and a classic look. Modern glass has a self-cleaning coat and solar control to cut glare and heat in summer.
• Polycarbonate roof. The lowest cost. It is light but noisy in rain and loses more heat. We now fit it mainly on lean-to builds on a tight budget.
• Solid tiled roof. Lightweight tiles on an insulated frame. The room feels like a true extension. It stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer, with less noise from rain.
• Hybrid roof. A solid roof with glass panels or roof lights. You get some of the light and most of the comfort.

We can also replace the roof on an older conservatory. This is a good way to make a cold room usable again without a full rebuild.

Planning and Building Regulations

Many conservatories count as permitted development. That means you do not need full planning, as long as the build stays within set limits on size, height and position. The limits are tighter for semi-detached and terraced homes.

The rules change in a few cases:

• Homes in a conservation area may face limits on side builds and on materials.
• Listed buildings always need consent for changes.
• Flats and maisonettes do not have permitted development rights.
• Some estates have extra rules set by the council.

Most conservatories are exempt from Building Regulations if they are under thirty square metres, at ground level and kept apart from the house by an external door. Safety glass and the electrics must still meet the rules. A solid roof, or removing the door to the house, usually brings the build under Building Regulations. We tell you which rules apply at the survey and handle the paperwork with Merton Council.

Glass, Heat and Comfort

A conservatory should feel good in both January and July. The glass and roof do most of the work.

We fit sealed double glazed units with Low-E coatings, warm edge spacers and a gas fill. They keep heat in during winter. On the roof, solar control glass reflects much of the sun's heat in summer. It also cuts glare on screens.

A few more choices help with comfort:

• Roof vents and trickle vents for fresh air.
• Opening windows on two sides, so air can flow through.
• Blinds made to fit the roof.
• Underfloor heating or a radiator on its own control.
• Acoustic glass if you live near a busy road.

The Base, Frame and Build

A good conservatory starts below ground. We dig and pour proper footings to suit your soil. On clay, or near trees and drains, we may need to go deeper. Then we build a dwarf wall in brick to match your house, or fit full-height glass panels.

Frames come in uPVC or aluminium. uPVC costs less and comes in white, grey and wood-grain finishes. Aluminium is slimmer and stronger, so it suits wide spans and large glass. Both are built and sealed to keep out wind and rain.

We start with a free survey and design. Then we build the room and look after you once it is done. Most builds take one to three weeks on site, depending on size and roof type.

What Drives the Cost of Conservatories

We do not list fixed prices, as each build is unique. These are the main cost drivers:

• Size and style: larger and more complex shapes cost more.
• Roof type: a solid or hybrid roof costs more than glass or polycarbonate.
• Frame material and colour: aluminium and dual colours add cost.
• Base and footings: poor ground, trees or drains add work.
• Dwarf wall: matching brick or render, or full-height glass.
• Floor, heating and electrics.
• Planning or building control fees, where they apply.

Every job gets a written, fixed quote after a free survey, with payment stages set out in it. To book your survey, use our quote page. We also build conservatories across the wider area, which you can see on our Merton home page.

Looking After Your Conservatory

A conservatory needs little care, but a few small jobs keep it at its best:

• Clean the frames with warm soapy water twice a year.
• Clear leaves from the gutters each autumn.
• Rinse the roof glass with a soft brush on a pole. Self-cleaning glass needs less help.
• Check the seals and the flashing where the roof meets the house.
• Oil window hinges and locks once a year.

If you see a leak or misting between panes, let us know early. Small faults are quick to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a conservatory build take from start to finish?

Most builds take one to three weeks on site. Before that, the frames and roof are made to size, which takes a few weeks. If you need planning, add the council's decision time. A small lean-to is the quickest. A large P-shape with a solid roof takes the longest. We give you a clear timeline in your quote.

Can plants live in a conservatory all year without extra heat?

Some can. With modern glass and a solid or hybrid roof, the room stays fairly mild in winter. Hardy plants and many herbs will cope. Tender plants may need a small heater on cold nights. Solar control glass and good vents stop the room overheating in summer, which is just as important for plants.

How much mess and noise will the build cause?

The groundwork is the loudest part, and it lasts a few days. After that, the work is much quieter. We keep the site tidy, protect your garden and take away waste. We tell your neighbours when we start, if you wish. Most of the work happens outside, so you can still use your home as normal.

What upkeep do the glass and roof need?

Not much. Wash the frames twice a year and clear the gutters in autumn. Glass roofs with a self-cleaning coat need only a rinse now and then. Tiled roofs need a quick check after storms. Sealed units need no care, but tell us if one mists up, as that means the seal has failed.

Do we need planning for a conservatory in a conservation area?

Possibly. Permitted development rights are more limited in a conservation area, especially for side builds and certain materials. A rear conservatory within the size limits may still be fine. The safest step is to check with the council first. We can help you prepare drawings and details if an application is needed.