Conservatory replacement extensions in Durham
If you live in Durham and want more space without moving, a conservatory replacement is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in DurhamFrom £18,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsDH1
What we take care of
- New or upgraded foundations
- Insulated walls and roof to current regulations
- Removal and disposal of the old conservatory
- Trial holes to check the existing foundations
- Opening widened into the house if wanted
- Glazing and doors to suit the new room
A replacement is a chance to rethink the shape. Many conservatories are oddly proportioned; for a similar cost the new room can often be squarer, wider or better connected to the kitchen.
Planning rules that apply in Durham
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Conservatory replacement prices in Durham
For Durham we adjust our national guide rates by ×0.91, the factor we use for North East England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Durham: £1,680 to £3,180 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 3.3 m 10 m² | £18,000 – £22,000 | £19,500 – £25,500 | £25,000 – £32,000 |
| 3.5 m × 4 m 14 m² | £23,500 – £28,500 | £27,000 – £35,500 | £35,000 – £45,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £33,500 – £40,500 | £39,000 – £50,500 | £50,000 – £64,000 |
Includes removal of the old conservatory. Reusing existing foundations is only possible after investigation.
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Extensions in and around Durham
Our survey diary covers Durham, including DH1. Nearby, we also take on projects in Chester-le-Street (6 miles), Stanley (8 miles), Bishop Auckland (9 miles), Peterlee (10 miles).
Just over the Tyne and Wear border, Houghton-le-Spring is about 6 miles away. The North East has many brick terraces, colliery-era housing and post-war semis, with rear extensions and kitchen extensions the most common requests.
What happens next
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions people ask about conservatory replacements
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Durham, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do you cover all of Durham?
Yes. We cover Durham and the surrounding parts of County Durham. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How long does a conservatory replacement take to build in Durham?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Can I keep the existing base?
Sometimes, but conservatory bases are often too shallow for solid walls. Trial holes tell us before we confirm the price.
Does replacing a conservatory need planning permission?
A solid replacement is treated as a new extension, so it must meet the permitted development limits or get planning permission, and it always needs building regulations approval.
Book a free site visit in Durham
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.