Advice On Building Glass Extensions | 4Homes

Date Published:: 28/05/2008

Cost and Profit Potential

What will it Cost?

For the more dramatic schemes, you'll have to hire an architect, and this can be pricey. For a typical glazed rear extension, we're talking upwards of £40,000, but if you go for a glass extension specialist it should be closer to £20,000. The latter will do you a side extension for around £10,000. If money is tight, then think about the sliding/cantilever doors option. Prices start at about £1,000 per glazed panel. Like these ideas, but want something a touch more traditional? Your most basic, but not so contemporary, glass conservatory can cost from £2,000 from places such as Homebase and B&Q, escalating to around £30,000 for larger, more elaborate designs that are professionally fitted.

Photo: Paul Tyage/Wilkinson King Architects

These two frameless glass boxes make space for a new studio and garden room. The glazing is secured in place using structural silicon. The roofs are part glazed, part solid for added strength, while the flooring has been clad in limestone to complement the paving in the landscaped garden. Trench radiators that lie flush with the floor solve the problem of heating.

What's The Profit Potential?

The simplicity of a glass extension's design means that it suits both contemporary and period properties. However, always think of future buyers - if you live in a traditional area, a more conventional conservatory might help you sell more easily.
Glass additions maximise space and light in the home - two factors that should increase the value of your property.
It may look beautifully ephemeral, but done well, a glass installation will last forever and be able to withstand all weather conditions.
You may not have much of a garden, but the addition of glazing to your home will make the most of what little outdoor space you have.

Photo: Paul Massey/Mainstream Images

Glass extensions look good on any property, regardless of age and style. Nottingham-based architect Tan Gani designed this glass and steel extension for his own 20 year old home. He chose the sloped lead roof because it looks stunning and it's also heavily insulated along with the base of the structure. Double-glazed panels and underfloor heating beneath ceramic tiles ensure it never gets cold.

Need Expert Help?

Find a trusted extension specialist in your area using MyBuilder.

With thanks to Mainstream Images for selected pictures in this article.

All product and property details and prices correct at time of publication - 05/2006.

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Comments

We live in a 3 storey Victorian terrace with obligatory 2 storey kitchen and bathroom extension on the back (north west facing). What remins of the yards between our house and the neighbours have been rooofed over to create 2 scruffy garages with plastic roofs. Both our kitchens and dining rooms have windows into these roofed areas (these are the only windows for these rooms). We and our neighbours want to replace the current with something nicer, although the husbands still wants to keep bins and bikes in the 'garages' rather than use them as livig space. I want to improve the light quality to the kitchen and dining rooms, and next door are wondering whether a clear roof terrace is possible! Lots to think about and we don't know where to start. Ideas most welcome, thank you

Posted by Jill on 05/06/2009 17:47:07

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would like to be considered for the home show. live in an original 3 bed semi and have extended but my 40th birthday is just around the corner and we need to get some privacy from our 3 kids. the attic seems ideal but i'm not moving up there with spiders.

Posted by j dolby on 19/03/2009 22:34:04

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HI KEV. You might find this article useful: http://www.abbuilding.co.uk/article.htm along with our own http://www.channel4.com/4homes/diy-self-build/diy-build-advice/major-projects/guide-to-building-with-glass-08-05-28_p_1.html

Posted by 4homes on 08/08/2008 16:31:55

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I am thinking of linking my house with an adjacent cow byre by means of a glazed atrium. The ground between the two is at difference levels which complicates the issue. The buildings are listed and so great care must be taken in how the glass structure relates to these adjacent buildings. I have a mind to use large timbers to mount the glass on rather than maintaining seamless effect. Can you offer any advice or examples of atrium application etc.

Posted by Kev Turpin on 07/08/2008 10:35:24

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An inetresting article, but there seems to be some discrepancies with the extensions photographed, and the building regs which require <25% of floor area to be glazed! I'm currently scratching my head trying to deal with 'area-weighted u-values', which my local council requires to be submitted - is there any advice available on calculating this? Note: I've already referred to Part L and it's associated Guidance.

Posted by P Smith on 06/08/2008 12:00:01

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Major Projects Advice On Building Glass Extensions

Contents:

What will it Cost?

What's The Profit Potential?

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