We design, build and fit conservatories for homes in North Kensington. This page is for owners who want more living space, a bright dining room or a quiet place to work. You will see which room types suit local homes, how the roof and frames are made, what the planning rules mean here and what drives the cost.
Every room is made to measure from a site survey. We build on a proper base, use A-rated glass and fit roofs that keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer. Each job is backed by our 10-year guarantee. For the full range, see our main conservatories page.
Conservatories in North Kensington: what we see locally
- Planning: Several conservation areas cover the area, including Oxford Gardens and St Quintin, so replacement windows on front elevations usually need to keep the original style.
- Near: homes close to Portobello Road Market and the streets around it
Building control for this area sits with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. We tell you on the survey if your room needs sign-off and handle the paperwork for you.
Which glass room suits your home in North Kensington
A conservatory is not the only choice. The right room depends on how you will use it, how much glass you want and what the rules allow on your street. These are the main types we build:
- Conservatory: mostly glass walls and a glass or solid roof on a low brick wall. Styles include lean-to, Victorian, Edwardian, gable and P-shape.
- Orangery: more brick and solid roof, with a lantern in the centre. It feels more like part of the house.
- Glass extension: slim aluminium frames, a flat roof and wide glass doors. It suits a modern rear extension.
- Garden room: a separate room at the end of the garden, often used as an office, gym or studio.
Think about the use first. A dining room needs space for a table and a warm floor. A home office needs shade on the screen and good sound control. A plant room needs light most of all. We plan the size, the roof and the glass around the way you will live in it.
Roofs, frames and glass
The roof is the part that makes the most difference to comfort. Older polycarbonate roofs let heat out in winter and in during summer. Today we offer three main roof types:
- Glass roof: high-spec glass with a self-cleaning coat and solar control. It lets in the most light.
- Solid tiled roof: an insulated roof with tiles to match the house. It keeps the room warm and quiet.
- Hybrid roof: solid with glass panels or a lantern. You get warmth and light in one roof.
If you want a solid roof but still want light from above, we can add roof lanterns. They suit orangeries and flat-roof glass extensions.
For frames, you can choose uPVC, aluminium or timber-effect finishes. uPVC is low cost and low upkeep. Aluminium gives slimmer frames and more glass. Timber-effect foils give a period look on older homes. The wall glass is A-rated double glazing as standard, with triple glazing as an option on cold or exposed sides.
Planning and Building Regulations
Many conservatories fall under permitted development, so you do not need full planning consent. There are limits on height, depth and how close the room is to a boundary. The rules are tighter for homes in a conservation area or a listed building, and for flats and maisonettes. The local note above lists the areas that apply in North Kensington.
Building Regulations are a separate matter. A conservatory is usually exempt if it meets all of these points:
- It is at ground level and under 30 square metres of floor area.
- It is split from the house by external quality doors or walls.
- It has its own heating control, not an open link to the main heating.
- The glass meets safety rules.
If you want to remove the doors to the house, or build a room with a solid roof, it will need Building Regulations sign-off. We explain this on the survey and include the cost in your quote.
How we build a conservatory
A good room starts below ground. We dig and pour a proper base, with a damp-proof course and insulation under the floor. Then we build the dwarf walls in brick to match your home. Next come the frames, the roof and the glass. We finish with sealing, trims and the final checks.
Most rooms take one to three weeks on site, depending on size and roof type. We keep the site tidy and tell you each morning what is happening that day. Our full process, from survey to aftercare, is set out on our how we work page.
What drives the cost of a conservatory
We do not publish fixed prices, because every room is different. Each job gets a written, fixed quote after a free survey. You can ask for your quote here. The main cost drivers are:
- Size and shape: bigger rooms and complex shapes need more frame and glass.
- Roof type: solid and hybrid roofs cost more than glass, but are warmer.
- Frame material: aluminium and timber-effect finishes cost more than white uPVC.
- Base and walls: sloping gardens, drains and tree roots add to the groundwork.
- Doors: French, sliding or bifold doors to the garden.
- Finishes: flooring, heating, lighting and power.
- Consents: planning or Building Regulations fees, where needed.
Your quote lists each part, so you can see where the money goes. It also sets out the payment stages in writing.
Making the room work all year
A room you can use in January as well as July needs a bit of planning. These points make the biggest difference:
- Insulate the floor and roof: most heat is lost through these two areas.
- Pick the right glass: solar control glass on a south or west wall stops the room getting too hot.
- Heat it well: underfloor heating or an electric radiator with its own thermostat keeps it comfy.
- Vent it: roof vents or trickle vents let warm, damp air out and cut condensation.
- Add blinds: roof blinds help control glare and heat.
To see our other work in the area, visit our North Kensington glazing page, or see our services across Ladbroke Grove.
Looking after your conservatory
Upkeep depends on the frame. uPVC and aluminium need a wash with warm soapy water a few times a year. Timber needs a fresh coat of paint or stain every few years. Clear the gutters each autumn and check the roof seals. Oil the door hinges and locks once a year. If you see a damp patch or a misted pane, call us early, as small faults are quick to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a conservatory?
Most rooms take one to three weeks on site. A small lean-to on a flat site is quicker. A large orangery with a solid roof and new drains takes longer. Before we start, there is time for the survey, any consents and making the frames. We give you a clear timeline with your quote and a start date once you order.
Are conservatories covered by home insurance?
Most home policies cover a conservatory as part of the house, but you should check. Tell your insurer once the room is built, as it may change the rebuild value of your home. Keep your FENSA certificate, your guarantee and any sign-off papers safe. Your insurer or a future buyer may ask to see them.
Can a conservatory be moved to a new house later?
Not in a practical way. A conservatory is built to fit one house, on a base made for that spot. Taking it down often damages the frames and the seals. The glass and the roof would also need to be refitted to a new base. In most cases it is better to leave it as part of the sale and build a new room.
What upkeep do the different frames need?
uPVC needs a wipe with warm soapy water and a check of the seals. Aluminium is much the same, and the powder coat holds its colour for years. Timber looks great but needs painting or staining every few years to keep out the weather. All frame types benefit from oil on the hinges and locks once a year.
Does a conservatory change your council tax?
A new conservatory does not change your band straight away. The Valuation Office may review the band when the home is sold. A large room can add to the value of the home, so it may play a part in that review. Check with the Valuation Office if you have questions about your own home.