Conservatories exude luxury, light and space. Notable conservatories include the Barbarican conservatory and the Syon House. Having one seems to be a perfect addition to a home – a place to enjoy afternoon tea and biscuits, observing the outside while comfortably settling in. However, with all its advantages, a conservatory has its fair share of disadvantages as well.

One of its disadvantages is the fact that most conservatories are made of glass. Thus, keeping it at the right temperature can be a real struggle. It

can be way too hot and humid in the summer and way too cold in the winter. If the main point of having a conservatory was to enjoy additional space to frolic and relax at, then it is moot when the temperature will be at either ends of the spectrum. That said, there are many companies now offering, conservatory roof insulation and this is the process of replacing your glass roof with a ceiling, so you may lose the supreme sky view above, but you can be snug and warm in the winter.

It is possible to install special types of windows in the conservatory to regulate its temperature. With materials like sandwich boards and outer layers of anodised

aluminum, it can be easily done. However, it can be quite expensive. This brings us to another disadvantage of owning a conservatory – its cost. Building it in the first place may cost anywhere between £6,000 to £20,000, depending on its size, design and the type of materials used. Glass tends to be more expensive that polycarbonate and orangery conservatories tend to cost more than Victorian ones. Quite a lot to consider for a structure that may or may not be fully utilised.

Another disadvantage it holds is connected to one of its primary materials – glass. If one lives in a closely-knit neighbourhood, a conservatory made of glass will provide little to no privacy from nosey neighbours and passers-by. Anyone may peer over and see what one will be having for dinner. While it may seem like a shallow disadvantage to point out, nobody should be felt like they are being watched in their own homes don’t you think?

Again, while conservatories have their charm and advantages, it is still best to weigh it with its disadvantages. One must be prepared for its cost and its upkeep, to name a few. In the end, a well-researched decision is the best weapon to any crossroad, so be sure to do your homework first. If you’d like to know of another alternative, why not invest in a summerhouse? These are considerably cheaper and are often situated toward the rear of the garden, so you get a space that’s cute, cosy and away from the hustle and bustle in the house! It’s a nice option if you’re looking for a quiet area to unwind with a book and a cup of coffee.