Small conservatories: making the most of cramped or tricky spaces
Dreaming of a conservatory but unsure if it will fit on your property? Get the answers you need in our guide.
If you live in a property that has a small, cramped or awkwardly shaped garden, you might have resigned yourself to a life without a conservatory. Surely a conservatory in a small garden is like an AGA in a kitchenette?
In fact, tight spaces don't have to be a problem and small can be beautiful too. Done well, a small orangery or lean-to conservatory can be a great addition to gardens and courtyards of all shapes, sizes, styles and materials.
Not only that, but a small conservatory can also give you the benefits of a conservatory at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the upkeep needed.
Like a standard-sized conservatory, a small conservatory extends your living space, brings you closer to the outdoors and can even add market value to your home. The big difference is that a small conservatory is low on maintenance and low on repairs.
Plus, it's less likely that you'll need planning permission – although there are some exceptions to the rule and you should always check before contacting an installer.
What are the types of small conservatories?
If you have a small garden or other outdoor space, you can get small versions of most styles of conservatories. There's no reason why you shouldn't have a small Victorian-style conservatory in a tight space.
That said, many homeowners find that lean-to conservatories work best of all. This is because a lean-to sits against the wall of your house and takes up less overall space than other kinds of conservatories.
If a lean-to isn't for you, you might want to consider a small orangery or sunroom. These provide cosy spaces without taking up too much room.
Can you put a conservatory on a park home?
In theory, there's no reason why a park home owner shouldn't build a conservatory. Many do! However, you'll need to check with a few different people before contacting an installer.
First, you need to check with the park owner. The response you get will depend entirely on their specific rules and regulations.
Next, you should look into getting planning permission from the local council. If you want to be extra sure, check with the environmental health officer (EHO) too. It's rare but not unknown for permission to be granted by the local council, only for an EHO to reveal that the conservatory is a fire risk. If this happened to you, you would have to remove your extension.
A conservatory can be a great addition to a park home – but make sure you check with the appropriate authorities before the spades touch the ground.
What style of small conservatory should you go for?
As with any extension, the main consideration with a small conservatory is finding a style that complements your home. However, a small conservatory throws up a couple of issues that larger models don't.
First, you need to think about the material of the roof. To maximise the light coming in, you might want a glass or polycarbonate roof. However, if you have to tuck your conservatory under trees, you might want tiles to protect against falling leaves.
Then there's the question of size and shape. This will partly depend on the primary function of the conservatory.
If you're planning on using it for dinner parties, say, you'll need the maximum possible floor space to avoid being cramped. But a conservatory used mainly for potting plants or unwinding with a book will need less overall space.
Finally, there's the question of budget. This will be a key factor in deciding on your conservatory's materials and dimensions. But whatever your budget, you should be able to get the style that best suits your home.
Do you need planning permission for a small conservatory?
Local councils place limits on the size and placement of conservatories. In some cases, you may need to apply for planning permission. In the case of small conservatories, however, this is rarely the case.
Even so, it's best to check before you get to work as building without planning permission is a so-called "planning breach" and can be
penalised with an unlimited fine.
Can a small conservatory go up to your boundary?
If your garden is on the small side, you may have to build your conservatory right up to the boundary. This should be fine, so long as it doesn't cover more than half of the area around the house.
However, if you're building it up to a boundary that sits under or near a wall or foundations, you should tell your neighbour and ask for approval. This is in line with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: a piece of legislation that's separate from planning and building regulations.
Boundaries are one of the biggest sources of tension and conflict between neighbours in the UK. So, make sure you keep your neighbours in the loop before calling in the installers.
Final thoughts
At Calder Windows, we've been installing conservatories for decades – so we know better than most how great an addition they can be to gardens of all shapes and sizes. They're a stylish and cosy way of making your home that little bit bigger and provide a great spot to work, unwind or a bit of both.
We also know the challenges that can arise when you're getting one built in a cramped or tricky space. Nine times out of 10, however, these challenges can be addressed.
At the end of the day, there's no reason why you can't fit a small conservatory in a tight space – you just have to be a bit creative about it. Dream big – and build small!
Looking for a high-quality
conservatory in Yorkshire? Pop into our Normanton showroom today or
give us a call.
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