Sometimes your house requires some extra space, or it becomes too dull that you need to bring in additional sunlight. You have several choices to deal with the situation, among which is an extension made of glass and a conservatory. A conservatory is cheaper but tends to overheat in summer and freeze in winter, negating any cost benefits through air conditioning. A glass box extension, although quite expensive, is better in terms of heat efficiency and aesthetics.
Glass extensions are both glamorous and functional. You get enough space to relax and view the garden around you while you are protected from the elements of weather. Besides, the house looks good from the outside. A GlasSpace extension also adds to the value of your home should you decide to sell it in the future.
Planning the Extension
Before you pick the design of your glass room, consider the planning permission, cost, and the architect to construct one for you. You also need to know if there are regulations that limit such house modifications.
What is the Cost?
The cost of your glass extension is dependent on the kind of structural work that is to be done on the building. You may need to change the location of the beams and other supports so that you have a full view of the area covered by the glass. Besides, you may go for high specification glass that can withstand standard abuse and the elements of weather.
After the installation, you will also need to work on the floor area that you just covered. There is also the fee you will pay your architect or the structural engineer to oversee the work to its completion. The average cost per square meter is around £3,000 but may climb to double the amount depending on the specifics of the project.
Do You Need Permission to Build the Extension?
The size and location of your glass box extension determine whether you need planning permission or not. If the extension is more than half of the surrounding land, placed in the front, higher than the roof and more than three metres, you need planning permission. Anything else would need a permit for a regular extension. Talk to building consultants on the procedure for applying for the planning permission.
However, you need to ensure that the glass is energy-efficient to meet the building code and check if it may cause glare or solar gain in summer. For the second case, you would need to install a blind to offer shade.
Benefits of Installing a Glass Room
Since glass rooms come in various designs, you can enjoy multiple benefits from installing one. Here are some of them.
The glass allows natural light into your house. This not only makes your home brighter but is also creates a feeling of a bigger room.
You do not have to stick to a uniform design. These extensions create a fabulous distraction from the main style and can enhance the look of the house.
Most glass types come with a metal oxide coating on the outer side, allowing light while preventing heat from escaping in and outside our home. Therefore, it offers light and heat efficiency.
Design Tips
There are various design options out there, depending on your preference and the overall layout of your house. Most people go for a box extension with a covered roof to help shield the room from direct sunshine. However, some opt for coated glass to prevent heat from entering the house while maintaining uniformity with the rest of the structure.
Different types of glazing are added to the glass, whether coloured, embossed designed, or frosted glass. Other designs include powder-coated aluminium that improves both the internal and external look of your box extension. Be sure that your design preferences are not limited by structural considerations of your home, such as the roof, support beams and size.
Glass seats on a frame. However, the width of the frame determines how visible it is. If you go for the very thin frame, you will enjoy a seamless look and the glass extension will look polished. However, you may go for larger frames for aesthetics and increased strength. You also have a choice of going for fixed glass door panels, those that slide open or bi-fold windows. Glasses that can open allow you to enjoy the cool breeze and interact with the surroundings. However, they are delicate and need good care when opening and locking them.
It is important to have a structural inspection of your home before you make any significant changes. A very old house may need additional structural support if you are going to alter any wall. Otherwise, keep significant structural alterations to the minimum so that you do not have to get additional licenses and raise the building cost of the glass house extension to unfeasible levels.
