Do You Need a New Foundation for a Conservatory Conversion?

Turning your old conservatory into a fresh, energy-efficient extension is an exciting opportunity. It opens lots of new ways to use and enjoy your space – not to mention boosting your home’s value! But before you get carried away with ideas, there’s probably one big question on your mind: will you need to put in a new foundation?

The idea of tearing everything up can feel overwhelming, especially when you think about the time and cost involved. The good news? In most cases, you won’t need a new foundation for your conversion. Let’s look at why below!

Why you probably won’t need a new foundation

Most conservatories are built on foundations that are usually more than capable of handling a conversion. Since conservatories are designed to be lightweight, their foundations are often like what you’d find in single-storey extensions. If the existing foundation is in good condition, there’s no need to start from scratch.

In cases where the foundation isn’t quite strong enough, a process called underpinning can help. This involves reinforcing the existing foundation by digging underneath and adding extra support. It’s often a more affordable solution compared to replacing the foundation entirely.

When might you need a new foundation?

While most conservatories are built on solid foundations (and underpinning is an option if needed), there are still some cases where a new foundation might be necessary. A few factors can influence whether your conservatory’s foundation is suitable for conversion:

Older conservatories may have foundations that weren’t designed for year-round use.
The original foundation, whether it’s a concrete slab or a pile foundation, plays a big role in determining if it’s suitable for conversion.
The condition of the ground beneath your conservatory can affect whether the foundation can support the extra weight.
What you plan to use the converted space for, like a bedroom or living room, will impact the load-bearing requirements of the foundation.
The design and weight of the materials used in the new extension.

How can you tell?

If you’re unsure whether your current foundation is up to the task or might need a bit of work, here are some signs to keep an eye on that could suggest a weak or unstable foundation:

Cracks in the walls, ceiling, or floor, or if your conservatory seems to be sinking or leaning.
Damp, mould, or mildew, which could mean water is getting in through a weakened foundation.
Uneven or sagging floors, a common indicator of foundation trouble.

If you spot any of these issues, it’s worth having a professional take a look.

Trust us to convert your old conservatory into your dream extension

At Single Storey Extensions, we love helping homeowners turn their conservatories into beautiful, practical extensions. Thanks to our flexible modular design, we can usually do this without needing new foundations, which means the whole process is quicker and much less disruptive to your day-to-day life. No need for digging or major building work – we can finish the project much faster than traditional methods, saving you time, money, and stress.

Worried if your foundation is up to the task? Don’t be! We’ll check it thoroughly before starting to make sure everything’s good to go, and we’ll give you expert advice on the best way forward.

Even though our construction is lighter, we never cut corners on quality. Every extension we build meets top standards for insulation, weatherproofing, and durability, so you can trust it’ll last. You’ll enjoy all the perks of a full extension, without stressing about whether your foundation can handle it.

Ready to give your conservatory a fresh start? Get a free quote online or call us on 0331 630 2550 today! We’d love to chat about how we can create the perfect extension for your home, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.