Conservatory construction costs
Conservatory installation costs 2026
Building a conservatory costs on average between €9,100 and €32,500, depending on the size, materials, and the type of foundation. A conservatory is a glass extension to your home with plenty of light and windows, often with a glass roof, providing extra space and natural light. The price is mainly determined by the dimensions, the quality of the glass, the frame material (aluminium, wood, or uPVC), and whether heating or insulation is applied. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of building a conservatory and what to look out for when planning your glass extension.
Table of Contents
- What does it cost to build a conservatory?
- Costs of conservatory per component and finish
- Price-determining factors for building a conservatory
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the professional proceed when building a conservatory?
- How can you save on building a conservatory?
- Find the best professional for building a conservatory
- Frequently asked questions about building a conservatory
- Book a professional for a conservatory installation
- Useful links
What does it cost to build a conservatory?
The costs for building a conservatory average between €9,100 and €32,500 for the complete project, including materials, labour, and 21% VAT. For a standard prefab conservatory of three by three metres, you pay approximately €13,000, while a full conservatory extension where your home is expanded costs between €25,000 and €60,000.
Conservatory installation costs per project type
| Type of project | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Conservatory installation | €9,100 - €32,500 |
| 3x3 metre conservatory | €13,000 |
| Conservatory extension | €25,000 - €60,000 |
Price differences are mainly due to the complexity of the project. A standard conservatory installation is relatively simple to place, while a full extension often requires adjustments to the existing structure and foundation.
Prefab conservatory installation costs per surface area
| Surface area | Average costs |
|---|---|
| 10 m² | €10,750 |
| 15 m² | €17,250 |
| 30 m² | €25,000 |
For a prefab conservatory, the costs for a glass extension increase almost linearly with the surface area. For larger projects, however, you often get slightly more value for your money due to economies of scale in materials and labour. For custom work, the price of a conservatory consists on average of 65% labour costs and 35% material costs. All mentioned prices include 21% VAT, materials, and labour from the affiliated professionals.
Costs of conservatory per component and finish
In addition to the basic costs for the conservatory itself, there are various additional cost items that influence the total price. The foundation is often the largest cost item, and the finish and type of glass also determine the final costs for building a conservatory.
| Component | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Foundation | €7,800 - €39,000 |
| Installation of a roof lantern | €3,500 - €4,000 |
| Breaking through the facade | €3,550 - €3,900 |
| Central heating | €900 - €1,000 |
| Additional heating or underfloor heating up to 15 m² | €900 - €1,050 |
| Type of glass | Price per m² |
|---|---|
| HR glass | €120/m² |
| HR++ glass | €150/m² |
| HR+++ glass | €160 - €190/m² |
Price-determining factors for building a conservatory
The costs for building a conservatory vary greatly per project. This is due to a combination of factors that influence the required time, materials, and complexity. Below you can read which choices and circumstances cause the price to rise or fall.
Annex or extension
With an annex (garden room), you place the conservatory against the existing facade without modifying it. The insulation remains intact and no structural calculation is required. In an extension, you break through the facade and expand the house. This requires facade adjustments, a structural calculation, and often adjustments to the existing insulation. This significantly increases labour time and material costs.
Size of the conservatory
The surface area directly determines the amount of glass, frame material, and foundation. Glass is calculated per square metre, so a larger conservatory increases material costs linearly. The labour time also increases because more elements need to be assembled.
Frame material
Wood is the most affordable to purchase but requires regular maintenance such as painting. uPVC is more expensive but low-maintenance and insulates well. Aluminium is the priciest option but offers the best durability and requires almost no maintenance. The choice of material directly affects the costs for a prefab conservatory installation.
Prefab or bespoke
A prefab conservatory is delivered in standard sizes and can be installed more quickly. Bespoke means the conservatory is exactly adapted to your home and wishes. This requires more time for design, production, and installation, which increases the costs for a glass extension.
Type of foundation
A conservatory often needs a special foundation. On sandy soil, a lighter foundation sometimes suffices, but clay soil or a heavy construction requires a deeper or wider foundation. Costs range from €7,800 to €39,000, depending on soil type, weight, and dimensions.
Type of glass
HR glass costs €120 per square metre, HR++ glass €150, and HR+++ glass between €160 and €190. Better insulating glass increases the purchase price but lowers energy costs in the long run. The weight of the glass also influences the requirements for the construction.
Finishing and extra facilities
The choice of doors (French doors, sliding doors, or bifold doors), heating, electricity, and flooring type further determines the costs for a garden room extension. Each facility requires specific work and materials, increasing labour time and material needs.
Breaking through the facade
If you want the conservatory to be accessible from the house, the facade must be broken through. This costs between €3,550 and €3,900 and requires adjustments to the load-bearing structure, insulation, and finishing.
Installation of a roof lantern
A roof lantern in the roof of the conservatory provides extra light. Installation costs between €3,500 and €4,000 and requires a modified roof structure and waterproof finishing.
Urgency or planned
An urgent job costs more because the affiliated professionals have to adjust their schedules. Planned work is more economical because the professional can organise their time more efficiently.
Weekend or weekdays
Working at the weekend costs more than during the week because this falls outside regular working hours. Plan your job on a weekday to save costs.
Region
In large cities, the costs for building a conservatory are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher costs for parking, accessibility, and local labour rates.
Accessibility and preparation
If the workplace is easily accessible and clear, the professional can work faster. Limited access or a cluttered workplace extends labour time and thereby increases costs.
Additional costs and surcharges
Extra costs are situation-dependent. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- Urgent jobs cost more because the affiliated professionals must adjust their planning
- Weekend work is more expensive than on weekdays
- For a planning permit, a structural calculation may be required
- You may have costs for central heating (€900 to €1,000) or underfloor heating (€900 to €1,050), if this is not included in the conservatory installation costs
How does the professional proceed when building a conservatory?
Building a conservatory follows a number of regular steps.
- Consultation and planning: The professional discusses your wishes, the budget, and the possibilities. It is determined whether it will be an annex or extension, what material will be used, and if a foundation is necessary.
- Permit check: The professional checks whether a planning permit is required. With an extension, a structural calculation is often also required.
- Laying the foundation: If necessary, a suitable foundation is poured, depending on the soil type and the weight of the conservatory. This may require several days to dry.
- Placing the structure: The load-bearing structure of wood, uPVC, or aluminium is placed. This forms the frame for the conservatory.
- Installing the glass: The HR, HR++, or HR+++ glass is mounted in the structure. This provides the light and insulation.
- Finishing: Doors are installed, such as sliding doors, French doors, or bifold doors. Heating and electricity are connected and the floor is finished. The lead time varies from a few days for a prefab conservatory to a few weeks for custom work.
How can you save on building a conservatory?
There are several ways to reduce the costs of building a conservatory without compromising on quality.
- Choose an annex: Building a conservatory as a garden room is cheaper than an extension because you don't have to break through the facade and don't need a structural calculation.
- Consider a prefab conservatory: The costs for a prefab conservatory installation are lower than custom work because production is standardised and installation is faster.
- Choose smart materials: Wood is cheaper to purchase, but uPVC or aluminium saves on long-term maintenance costs.
- Determine your budget in advance: With a clear budget, you avoid costly changes during the project and can make focused choices within your means.
- Plan during the week: Avoid weekend and urgent surcharges by scheduling your job on a regular working day.
- Book through Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Find the best professional for building a conservatory
Building a conservatory is specialised work that requires experience and expertise.
- No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, keeping costs predictable.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what you pay before the work starts, without surprises later.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Choose a moment directly and arrange a professional without prolonged waiting.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job has been completed to your full satisfaction.
- Reliable, vetted professionals: All affiliated professionals are verified and score an average of 9.2.
- Professional in your area: Through Zoofy, you easily get in touch with an experienced professional in your region.
- Expert advice: An experienced professional advises on materials, foundation, and finishing, tailored to your situation and budget.
Frequently asked questions about building a conservatory
What does it cost to build a conservatory?
The costs for building a conservatory average between €9,100 and €32,500 for a complete installation, including materials and labour. For a standard prefab conservatory of three by three metres, you pay about €13,000, while a full extension costs between €25,000 and €60,000.
What is the difference between a conservatory and an extension?
A conservatory has a glass character with a lot of light and often a glass roof. An extension is a broader term and can also be largely built of brick. A conservatory is always an extension, but an extension is not always a conservatory.
Is a conservatory cheaper than an extension?
Yes, building a conservatory as a garden room is significantly cheaper than an extension. The costs for a prefab conservatory installation are between €9,100 and €32,500, while an extension costs €25,000 to €60,000 due to extra facade adjustments and structural calculations.
How big can a conservatory be without a permit?
This depends on local regulations and the specific situation of your home. Check this in advance to avoid surprises.
Which material is best for a conservatory?
Wood is cheap to buy but requires maintenance. uPVC is low-maintenance and insulates well. Aluminium is the most expensive but also the most solid and low-maintenance.
What is the difference between HR, HR++, and HR+++ glass?
HR glass is the cheapest (€120 per m²), HR++ glass insulates better (€150 per m²), and HR+++ glass with three layers of glass insulates the best (€160 to €190 per m²). The costs for an insulated conservatory installation increase with better glass, but you save on energy costs.
Is a foundation necessary for a conservatory?
In many cases, yes. The necessity and costs (€7,800 to €39,000) depend on the soil type, weight, and dimensions of the conservatory.
Can I save by choosing a prefab conservatory?
Yes, a prefab conservatory is more economical than custom work because production is standardised and installation is faster, although you have fewer choices in shapes and materials.
How long does it take to have a conservatory built?
This varies from a few days for a prefab conservatory to several weeks for custom work with extensive finishing, depending on the complexity and chosen facilities.
Do I have to pay in advance for a conservatory via Zoofy?
No, at Zoofy you never pay in advance. You only pay via QR code after the job is completed, without down payments or call-out charges.
Book a professional for a conservatory installation
Ready to have a conservatory installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay when the work is done. Book a professional directly.