How Long Does a Conservatory Take to Build? UK 2026 Week-by-Week Guide
From first survey to final inspection: here is what to expect and when.
Updated June 2026.
Full Project Timeline
Survey and quotes (Weeks 1-2)
- -Initial site visits from 2-3 installers
- -Measurements, soil type check, access assessment
- -Written quotes within 5-10 days
- -Time to compare: 1-2 weeks
Note: Do not accept verbal quotes. Always require a written, itemised quote showing materials, labour, VAT, and any exclusions.
Design, planning, and ordering (Weeks 2-8)
- -Final design drawings produced
- -Planning application if required: 8-12 weeks
- -Building regs application if required: 4-8 weeks
- -Manufacturing lead time: 4-8 weeks
Note: Manufacturing and planning run in parallel if planning is submitted at the same time as the design is finalised. Total pre-build period: 6-14 weeks.
Base and groundworks (On-site Week 1)
- -Mark out and excavation
- -Concrete raft or strip footings poured
- -7-10 day curing period for concrete
- -Brickwork for dwarf wall if specified
Note: This is the most weather-dependent phase. Prolonged rain can add 1-2 weeks if the ground becomes waterlogged and the concrete cannot be laid.
Frame and glazing (On-site Week 2)
- -Sill plates and floor threshold
- -Frame sections erected and levelled
- -Roof frame fitted
- -Glazing panels installed
Note: A lean-to or Edwardian can reach this stage in 3-5 days. A Victorian or P-shaped takes 7-10 days at this stage.
Roof, guttering, and weatherproofing (On-site Week 2-3)
- -Roof glazing or polycarbonate fitted
- -Ridge and hip sections sealed
- -Guttering connected to existing drainage
- -Flashing to house wall weatherproofed
Note: This is the technically most critical phase - poor flashing is the primary cause of long-term leaks. Insist on lead or GRP flashing, not self-adhesive tape alone.
Electrics, finishing, and snagging (On-site Week 3-4)
- -First fix electrics (conduit, back-boxes)
- -Door hardware, handles, locks
- -Sealant at all joins
- -Final inspection and snagging list
Note: The Part P electrical certificate should be issued before you complete payment. Ask for it explicitly.
On-Site Build Time by Style
| Style | Small (under 12 m2) | Medium (12-20 m2) | Large (20+ m2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean-to | 3-5 days | 4-7 days | 5-8 days |
| Edwardian | 4-7 days | 5-10 days | 7-14 days |
| Victorian | 5-8 days | 6-12 days | 8-16 days |
| Gable-end | 6-10 days | 7-14 days | 10-18 days |
| P-shaped | 8-14 days | 10-18 days | 14-21 days |
| Orangery | 3-5 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 5-8 weeks |
Build time excludes groundworks (concrete curing week), planning/manufacturing lead time, and snagging period.
Base and Foundation Costs
Standard concrete slab and dwarf wall
£1,500 - £3,000
Most common and most cost-effective for level gardens with good soil. A 150mm concrete slab on 75mm hardcore, with a dwarf brick wall to damp-proof course level. Standard for 90% of UK installs.
Engineered concrete raft
£3,000 - £6,000
Needed for clay soils prone to shrinkage and heave, sloping gardens (where cut-and-fill would be substantial), or where ground conditions are uncertain. Requires a soil investigation (£300-£600 extra) to justify the specification.
Screw piles with suspended slab
£2,500 - £5,000
Used where traditional excavation would damage tree roots, disturb services, or where access prevents a concrete lorry from reaching the site. Faster installation than traditional groundworks - piles are installed in a day.
DIY Conservatory Options
A fully DIY conservatory is possible for experienced builders but is not recommended for most homeowners. Here is where the DIY boundary realistically sits.
What You Can DIY (Sensibly)
- + Base excavation and filling (with correct specification from installer)
- + Bricklaying for dwarf wall (if you are a competent bricklayer)
- + Internal tiling and floor laying
- + Internal decoration (painting, skirting, curtain rails)
- + Self-build kit assembly (uPVC kit, from £3,000-£10,000)
What Needs a Professional
- ! Glazing installation (safety glass weight and handling requirements)
- ! Electrical work (Part P - must be NICEIC or NAPIT registered)
- ! Roof glazing (falls from height, structural integrity, weatherproofing)
- ! Connection to house wall (lintel, weatherproofing, damp-proof course)
- ! Building control sign-off if BR applies
Self-Build Conservatory Kits
Several UK suppliers offer flat-pack uPVC conservatory kits for self-assembly. The kit includes all frame sections, glazing, roof components, and hardware. The buyer completes groundworks and assembly.
| Kit cost (3x3 lean-to) | £3,000 - £6,000 |
| Base and groundworks (DIY) | £500 - £1,500 |
| Electrics (Part P trades) | £500 - £1,000 |
| Total DIY kit build (vs £9,000-£13,000 fitted) | £4,000 - £8,500 |
Saving: approximately 30-50% on supply and install. Time cost: typically 2-4 weekends for a small lean-to. Warranty: kit manufacturer's warranty applies only if installed correctly - retain fitting instructions and photograph stages. Suppliers include Conservatory Outlet, SuppliedAndFitted.co.uk, and Diy-Conservatories.com.
How to Vet Conservatory Installers
Trade Body Memberships to Check
GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation)
The primary trade body for conservatory and window installers. Members commit to a Code of Practice and have access to consumer mediation services.
DGCOS (Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme)
Mandatory dispute resolution scheme for DGCOS members. If your installer is DGCOS-registered, you have access to an independent ombudsman if things go wrong.
FMB (Federation of Master Builders)
General building trade body with a consumer protection scheme and insurance-backed guarantees. Better for larger projects involving brickwork and structural work.
TrustMark
Government-endorsed scheme covering a range of trades. TrustMark installers have been vetted for technical competence and customer service.
Red Flags to Watch For
Cash-only quotation (no paper trail, no VAT receipt)
Pressure to commit during the first visit ('price only valid today')
No written warranty offered or warranty not backed by insurance
No mention of planning permission or building regulations
No FENSA or CERTASS certificate offered for glazed units
No named Part P electrician for the electrics
Vague quote that does not itemise materials, labour, and VAT separately
No deposit protection insurance offered on initial payment