5 common conservatory regrets and how to avoid them

Common conservatory regrets include finding your new conservatory too hot, too cold, leaky or noisy when it rains, or simply not big enough. 

Here's how you can avoid making similar mistakes when buying a conservatory, so that you can enjoy it come rain or shine. 

Find out how much a conservatory costs and how to choose the best conservatory company

What are common conservatory problems?

We asked over 3,000 Which? members* about the frustrations or faults they experienced with their conservatories. 

The most common responses were:

1. The temperature is difficult to regulate - 24%
2. The glass is difficult to keep clean - 10%
3. The conservatory roof leaks - 9%
4. We wish we'd built an extension instead - 6%
5. The space is too small - 4%

Here we run through the common conservatory problems and offer advice tips and advice on how to avoid them when choosing or upgrading your conservatory.

1. Conservatory temperature is difficult to regulate

The last thing you want is for your new conservatory to be too cold to sit in during winter, or too hot to enjoy in the height of summer. Whether your conservatory is north or south-facing will have a big impact on its temperature, so you'll need to choose your construction materials carefully. 

One survey respondent, when asked about regrets, said, 'I wish I'd thought of heating and cooling and connected it to main heating.' 

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right materials for your conservatory:

• Consider your materials Some conservatories are made entirely of glass, while others have some brick walls or a tiled roof. Floor-to-ceiling glass will create a greenhouse effect, so these rooms are likely to have problems with temperature in the hottest and coldest months. Your choice of material will influence temperature, light and maintenance. It can be worth spending a little more to make sure that your conservatory is going to be comfortable to use.
• Is it north or south facing? If your conservatory faces south, you’ll need more vents or windows to keep the room cool, and you might want to consider anti-glare, reflective or tinted glass to help reduce the sun's glare. If it faces north, consider using thermally efficient glass. Find out about different types of conservatory glass in our guide to choosing conservatory materials. 
• Polycarbonate or glass roof Polycarbonate plastic roofs are generally cheaper than glass roofs, but they have a lot of drawbacks. They are less thermally efficient, can be noisier (particularly when it rains) and they also tend to let less light through. One survey respondent said: 'Since building we've changed the polycarbonate roof for tile and bricked up the south-facing wall. It was difficult to regulate the temperature before we did this.' If you can afford glass, it’s probably worth the extra expense. Visit our conservatory costs guide to learn more about glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs.

For more ideas on how to keep you conservatory comfortable, read '10 ways to keep your conservatory cool'

2. Conservatory glass is difficult to keep clean 

Grubby windows and a grimy roof can really spoil the enjoyment of you conservatory, and one in 10 of our survey respondents said that it's difficult to keep the glass clean. 

Self-cleaning glass is an option worth considering and it can keep maintenance costs down. It works using a special coating that reacts with sunlight to break down dirt, which is then washed away by the rain. 

However, you'll need to make sure you have the right pitch of roof for this to work properly, as it relies on rainwater carrying dirt away. The steeper the better, and certainly at an angle of more than 10 degrees.

3. Conservatory roof leaks

Several Which? members reported concerns about roof leaks. One said: 'The glazed roof leaked after a few years and, as we couldn’t control the temperature, we replaced the glass with a slate roof. It's now much, much more liveable.'

When planning a conservatory, think about access to all parts of the structure for cleaning and maintenance. Another survey respondent highlighted issues that can arise from not doing this: 'The guttering is fragile and parts are inaccessible, so clearing it is difficult and it potentially leads to leaks.'

Here are some common causes of conservatory roof leaks, and how to fix them:

• Blocked gutters and downpipes - these can overflow and send water into your conservatory, so keep them clear or try fitting gutter guards.
• Damaged roof panels - cracks or slips caused by the weather or poor installation can create gaps for water to flow through, so replace any loose or cracked roof panels. 
• Worn sealants and roof vents - water can leak through gaps in roof joints and ventilation if the seal has weakened over time. Reapply weatherproof sealant around roof joints, vents and cracks, and replace any broken parts.
• Flashing issues - flashing seals the connection between your house wall and the conservatory roof, so if it was badly installed or has suffered damage, water might make it through. Sealant may fix small gaps or damage, but any major issues will require a full replacement.

Top tip: Make sure your new conservatory comes with a decent guarantee covering labour and all the major parts – the windows, roof, brickwork and base. You should expect any guarantee to last at least 10 years, so don't settle for anything less. One survey respondent said: 'The roof leaked and the company did not repair it and threatened us!'

A more major problem might require a full roof replacement. Find out how much it costs to replace a conservatory roof.

4. We wish we'd built an extension instead

Some Which? members in our survey mentioned regrets about building a conservatory instead of an extension: 'We had it built 20 years ago. We would've extended the kitchen if we'd it done now.'

Or, similarly: 'I wish we had an extension with skylights.'

If you're trying to decide whether to add a conservatory or opt for an extension, consider the advantages and disadvantages of a conservatory.

Advantages of a conservatory

• Conservatories can often be built under permitted development rights, whereas an extension must fully meet planning and building regulations. 
• They will generally be faster to build.
• They provide more natural light. 
• They will usually be cheaper to build. One survey respondent said: 'In hindsight, an extension would've been more practical, but at the time we didn't have the finances available.' Find out more about costs in our guide to how much an extension costs. 

Disadvantages of a conservatory

• The temperature can be difficult to control, with many conservatory owners complaining it's too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
• This can mean the space is not very usable all year and you'll have to spend time and money trying to heat or cool it.
• A conservatory is likely to add less value to your house than an extension.
• Extensions have a greater variety of style options for integration into your home and provide usable space year-round. 

Can you convert a conservatory into a extension?

If you built a conservatory that you now regret, or bought a house with one but don't want it, you could convert it into an extension. 

The quickest, cheapest way to do this is through modular building, where the components are created in a factory to a specification, then delivered and assembled on site.

The upper part of the conservatory is removed, and the modular structure can be built on top of the existing base and foundations.

For more details on different building methods, read: 'How to add space – traditional extension, modular building or an annexe?'

5. Conservatory is too small

In our survey, 4% of all conservatory owners we spoke to wish they had gone for a bigger size.

Smaller conservatories can have advantages though – they tend to be cheaper, quicker to build and are less likely to need planning permission. So it's crucial that you think about how you will use the conservatory and what your budget is, so you can be as realistic as possible about the size you need and can afford.

If you’re wondering how big to go, start by measuring out the dimensions of your future conservatory in your existing living or dining room. It’s easier to visualise the new space when comparing to an existing room, and you’ll be able to see whether your furniture will fit. 

It's also important to think about the internal layout of your conservatory. Make sure you carefully consider where to position doors, electrical sockets and any TV aerial sockets, as these things are hard to change down the line.

From Victorian to a lean-to, read our guide to the various types of conservatory, plus expert advice on choosing a structure that suits your style and budget

Other conservatory problems

A couple of respondents even mentioned that they regretted not considering the position of the conservatory relative to their neighbours' property: 

• 'We built it too close to the neighbour's fence so can’t get into the gap to clear rubbish, paint the fence or clean the outside of the conservatory windows.'
• 'I wish I'd installed frosted roof glass for privacy as the new neighbours now overlook our conservatory.'

Top tip: Think about how your conservatory will affect the boundaries of your property, your neighbours and the rest of your garden. You don’t want to find your neighbours peering down at you from their bedroom window or realise you no longer have enough space for your favourite vegetable patch.

How to rectify conservatory faults

If you discover a fault, either at the time your conservatory is installed or afterwards, the first step is to contact the company you purchased it from. Even if it’s clear your installer caused the fault, it's the responsibility of the retailer who sold you the conservatory and fitting service to ensure you are satisfied.

Explain the issue clearly – making sure you also put it in writing if you've spoken on the phone or in person – and consider sending photos and your proof of purchase. If you have a warranty or guarantee, it’s worth using it. Our guide to using a manufacturer's warranty or guarantee explains which is best to use when.

If your manufacturer's warranty or guarantee has expired, or you didn’t get one when you bought your conservatory, you can still exercise your rights under the Consumer Rights Act, or its predecessor the Sale of Goods Act – retailers can't ignore this statutory right. 

In the first 30 days from the date you took ownership of the goods, you can ask for a full refund for the fault. After the initial 30 days and within the first six months, you have the right to a repair or replacement. It’s only if they can’t do this that you can demand a full refund. 

Find out more on your consumer rights if you have a faulty product.

What happens if your conservatory company goes bust?

We've heard from people whose conservatory company went bust, either during the construction of their conservatory or soon afterwards.

While there are never any guarantees, you should look for a company that's been established for at least a few years and make sure that its guarantee is covered by insurance to protect you if it does go under. 

Find out more about what to do if a company goes bust in our dedicated guide.

*In April 2026, we surveyed 3,037 Which? members about their experiences of buying or owning a conservatory.