Almost every ageing conservatory raises the same question: is it worth fixing, or is it time for something bigger? There are really five answers, and they run from a £150 repair to a £30,000 rebuild. This guide gives you a way to narrow it down before you start asking for quotes.
The five options and their typical cost
Ranges drawn from the typical figures for each service on this site.
| Option | What it fixes | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Roof repairs | Leaks, slipped panels, failed seals and flashing | £150 – £1,500 |
| Refurbishment | Tired doors, windows, sills and floors in a sound room | £1,500 – £7,000 |
| Insulation and upgrades | A room that is too hot or too cold | £800 – £4,500 |
| New glass or polycarbonate roof | A worn-out roof on a sound frame | £3,500 – £9,000 |
| Solid roof | Comfort and weather protection in a sound structure | £6,000 – £15,000 |
| New conservatory | A room that has outlived its base and frame | £8,000 – £30,000 |
Start with the base and frame
Everything else rests on the structure. If the base is cracking, the dwarf walls are moving or the frame is bowed, no roof, door or ceiling will fix the room, and a heavy solid roof could make things worse. If the structure is sound, every option from repair to a solid roof is open. Get this checked first by a surveyor or experienced installer. Our checklist of conservatory warning signs helps you spot the problems worth raising.
Then ask what actually bothers you
- It leaks: try a repair first. A single fault is cheap to fix, and the leak repair cost guide shows how much.
- The roof is old, discoloured or failing in several places: a new roof is probably better value than a string of repairs. See the roof replacement cost guide.
- It is too hot or too cold, and the roof is sound: insulation and comfort upgrades are cheaper and quicker than a new roof. The insulation cost guide covers it.
- You want to use it all year and accept less daylight: a solid roof deals with both extremes, as the solid roof cost guide explains.
- It looks dated but the structure and roof are fine: refurbish it. See the refurbishment cost guide.
- Everything is tired and the base is suspect: rebuilding may cost little more than patching, and the new conservatory cost guide gives the figures.
If a repair quote reaches roughly half the price of the replacement, ask for a price on the bigger job. It is not a rule that always holds, since a new roof on a bad frame wastes money, but it usually flags the point where patching stops being sensible.
Planning the next step
Whatever you choose, ask for written quotes that say exactly what is included. Heavier roofs and structural changes can bring Building Regulations into play, so ask the installer who handles that. The Planning Portal explains the starting position in England. To put numbers on your options, use the cost calculator, then collect prices through the free quote form.
How to decide between repair, refurbishment, a new roof or a rebuild
- Check the base and frame
Look for cracks, movement, bowed frames and gaps against the house. If there are signs of movement, get a professional opinion before anything else.
- Name the main problem
Decide whether the leak, the age of the roof, the heat or cold, or the look of the room bothers you most.
- Match the problem to an option
Use the options table to pick the job that fits, from a repair at the low end to a solid roof or rebuild at the top.
- Get two or three written quotes
Ask for itemised prices that state access, waste removal and any structural checks, and ask for a repair price and a replacement price where both are plausible.
- Compare against the half-price rule
If the repair costs about half the replacement, weigh the longer-term value of the bigger job.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my conservatory is beyond repair?
Signs include a moving base, bowed frames, a roof failing in several places and repeated call-outs. A survey from an experienced installer will give you a clearer answer.
Is it cheaper to replace the roof or the whole conservatory?
Replacing the roof is usually far cheaper, typically £3,500 to £9,000, provided the base and frame are sound. A rebuild only makes sense when the structure is the problem.
Can I do one job now and another later?
Often yes, but do them in the right order: structure first, then roof, then comfort upgrades and finishes, so earlier work isn't undone.
Will any of these options need planning permission?
Repairs and like-for-like work usually don't. A new build or a heavier roof may need Building Regulations approval, and sometimes planning permission, so check with your local authority.
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