How Much Does It Cost to Install a Conservatory in 2025?
The average cost to build a conservatory is $30,000
The average cost to build a conservatory ranges from $10,000 to $80,000.
Expect to pay between $200 and $500 per square foot, depending on your material choices, project complexity, and local labor rates.
Conservatories can serve as a comfortable space for year-round plant growth or relaxation.
Budgeting and hiring a professional builder help ensure a sturdy structure and compliance with permits.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Conservatory cost plays a crucial role when planning this bright, plant-friendly addition to your home. Expect to spend an average of $30,000, with most installations running between -$1 and -$1 (or $200 to $500 per square foot). Proper budgeting ensures you stay on track, and hiring a professional helps you navigate permits, design complexities, and construction challenges for a seamless build.
Conservatory Cost Factors
Conservatory prices vary widely, with factors such as size, materials, and design all impacting your final price.
Size
Conservatories cost between $200 and $500 per square foot, including professional installation. The larger the footprint, the higher your overall cost will be.
| Conservatory Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 80 | $28,000 |
| 120 | $42,000 |
| 250+ | $88,000 |
New Conservatory vs. Garden Room Extension
The cost to build a conservatory from scratch is similar to the price of a home addition, but you can save money by building onto an existing space. The cost to build a covered patio can be as low as $2,050. You can also convert a greenhouse into a livable conservatory–all you have to do is add insulation and climate control.
Frame Material
Frame material affects both structural integrity and budget. Wood sits at the lower end of the price range, while frameless glass systems land at the top.
Land Prep and Foundations
Since conservatories are essentially home additions, the land has to be level before construction can start, and you’ll need to install a concrete foundation. Expect to spend the following on prep work:
$1,400 to $6,200 for the cost of clearing land
$5 to $37 per square foot for the cost to install a foundation
$3 to $22 per square foot on flooring installation costs
Regulations and Building Permits
Living-space additions almost always need local permits. Expect to pay between $250 and $1,500, depending on the scope and location of the project. Confirm the exact requirements with your contractor and, if applicable, your homeowners association before work begins.
Windows and Vents
Proper ventilation maintains comfortable temperatures and prevents excess moisture that can harm plants. Without it, heat builds up quickly behind all that glass. Adding operable windows or roof vents helps regulate airflow and protects both you and your greenery. Expect to spend an average of $7,400 for the cost to install windows.
Vents also help increase ventilation in your conservatory. The cost to install roof ventilation ranges from $300 to $650. Manual vents, which are on the low end of the price spectrum, are adequate for small conservatories with only one or two vents to open and close.
Average Conservatory Cost by Design
The broad category of conservatories (or garden rooms) encompasses several styles, allowing you to utilize your space as a garden office, sunroom, or traditional orangery. Each design has its advantages, disadvantages, and budget considerations.
| Design Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean/lean-to | $18,000 |
| Victorian | $38,000 |
| Gable | $33,000 |
Mediterranean/Lean-To
For $18,000, you can build a simple design that prioritizes natural light. Mediterranean or lean-to conservatories feature a sloped roof and are the simplest to install as an addition to an existing room.
Victorian
A Victorian-style conservatory costs $38,000. This design follows a classic style that often features multiple softer angles, rather than a standard rectangle. French doors are a common feature of this style, although you should expect to increase your budget to accommodate the associated costs. This option tends to be white, with PVC as the primary building material.
Gable
Especially popular for freestanding structures, gable designs range between $33,000. Intricate windows and other decorative finishes help you make a statement beyond adding function. Because of the intricacy, your window installation budget will be on the higher end of the standard range.
Does a Conservatory Increase Home Value?
A conservatory can add up to 6% to the value of your home, but that’s not the only benefit. The main draw is that a new conservatory essentially adds an extra room to your space. A conservatory costs less than a full-scale home extension yet delivers comparable extra living space and natural light.
For those with a green thumb, it’s the perfect place to grow an indoor garden year-round. It also offers a calming ambiance, allowing you to experience the outdoors without being exposed to the elements.
DIY vs. Hiring a Conservatory Builder
You can tackle a conservatory as a DIY project, especially with a modular kit. However, the work still requires advanced skills in carpentry, roofing, electrical work, and foundation construction. Mistakes in the building process increase future repair costs. Get the job done right by hiring a conservatory and sunroom contractor near you.
Budgeting Tips for Building a Conservatory
Building a conservatory doesn't have to break the bank if you plan strategically. Consider these money-saving approaches:
Choose a simple lean-to design over ornate Victorian or gable styles to minimize construction complexity and costs.
Consider vinyl or aluminum framing instead of premium wood or steel to save on materials while maintaining durability.
Install a modular kit for a standalone structure if you don't need the conservatory attached to your home.
Plan your build during off-peak seasons when contractors may offer competitive pricing.
Reuse existing doors or windows where possible to integrate with your new structure.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
