An estate agent has revealed a cost-effective way for homeowners to maximise their old conservatory space and save thousands of pounds amid the ongoing ‘race for space.’
Instead of opting for expensive rear extensions, Simon Taylor, who has over 20 years of property experience in north and east London, suggests refurbishing existing conservatories.
Simon’s advice follows a recent survey by CI Group, which found that one in three homeowners use their conservatories as storage spaces and often avoid them due to extreme temperature issues during peak summer and winter months.
However, the same poll showed a growing trend: nearly three-quarters of homeowners are planning to refurbish these glass-walled, often-neglected rooms.
Simon believes that transforming an old conservatory is a game-changer, adding that homeowners can save thousands by investing in their conservatory instead of calling in the bulldozers.
The property expert insists homeowners can enjoy a versatile, year-round living space by investing in improved insulation and modern design elements.
He said: ‘Conservatories are often abandoned or just used for storage, but can be transformed if properly insulated and refurbished.
‘Today’s materials, colours and levels of finish available are pretty mind-blowing.’
An estate agent has revealed a cost-effective way for homeowners to maximise their old conservatory space and save thousands of pounds amid the ongoing ‘race for space’
Instead of opting for expensive rear extensions, Simon Taylor (pictured), who has over 20 years of property experience in north and east London , suggests refurbishing existing conservatories
While rear extensions can cost upwards of £30,000 to £40,000 and potentially block natural light, Simon explains that refurbishing a conservatory is a fraction of the price.
Simple upgrades such as improved roofing, modern furnishings, and effective insulation can breathe new life into these spaces.
Simon added: ‘Every seven or eight years people tend to redecorate their living rooms with a new sofa, a new carpet or a lick of paint. Why shouldn’t the conservatory be the same?
‘With the race for space, conservatories should be viewed as a positive because you’ve got an extra room to enjoy.’
One of the biggest issues with conservatories is regulating their temperature, with many becoming unbearably hot in the summer and freezing in the winter.
Simon highlighted CI Group’s advanced C.H.R.I.S. system as an effective solution.
The insulation system, based on NASA technology developed for the Apollo Space Shuttle, features a six-layer aluminium quilt that reduces heat loss and maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Simon noted: ‘It’s a shame when I see boxes because it’s stiflingly hot in the summer and terribly cold in the winter.
Simple upgrades such as improved roofing, modern furnishings, and effective insulation can breathe new life into these spaces
‘Especially as there are now cost-effective methods to regulate the temperature and give you back that extra room which you’ve shut for seven months a year.’
The property expert added: ‘Conservatories shouldn’t be an afterthought.’
It comes after estate agent Ellie Foster shared five top tips to help keep conservatories certain room cool in summer and warm in winter.
Ms Foster’s first tip for conservatories was to install blinds to better control the heat that enters or stays out of the room.
Next up, the property expert advised that investing in proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to control the heat of your conservatory in the long-term.