The short answer
Getting conservatory quotes is straightforward: prepare a brief with your preferred style, size and roof type, then request written quotes from at least three FENSA-registered installers, comparing on specification (glass U-value, SHGC) as well as price. Conservatory Answers publishes guides and, when you ask, connects you with conservatory companies. We are not an installer. See how to choose a conservatory company for the full vetting checklist.
Getting conservatory quotes is a process that rewards preparation. Installers who visit without a clear brief will sometimes drive the conversation towards the products they prefer to sell rather than the specification that suits your home. Arriving at the survey with a clear sense of the style, size, roof type and any budget parameters — and asking specifically for the glass performance data in the quote — produces more useful, comparable quotations. This page sets out how the process works and what to look for when comparing quotes.
Getting quotes at a glance
- How many quotes At least 3 written quotes
- What to specify Style, size, roof type, glass spec required
- Key data to request Glass U-value, SHGC, frame system
- FENSA check Verify each company at fensa.org.uk
- Deposit protection Confirm IBG before paying any deposit
- Timeline Allow 6–12 weeks from order to completion
Prepare a brief before the first installer visit
The more specific your brief, the more useful the quotes you receive. Before inviting installers to survey, think through:
- Style: Victorian, Edwardian, lean-to, or are you open to recommendations? See types of conservatory.
- Approximate size: have a rough sense of the footprint you want. Measure the available space and any constraints.
- Roof type: glass (with solar-control coatings), solid tiled, or happy to discuss? See roof options.
- Frame material: uPVC, aluminium or open? See uPVC vs aluminium.
- Orientation and use: which direction does your garden face and what will you use the space for? This affects the glass specification needed.
- Budget range: having a realistic budget range in mind prevents installers from quoting for a specification that is either way over or under what you intend to spend.
What to ask for in every quote
When you receive a quote, check that it includes:
- The specific frame system (manufacturer and profile name)
- The glass specification: U-value and SHGC for the roof glass, U-value for the wall glazing
- Whether solar-control and self-cleaning coatings are included
- Base and groundwork description and specification
- Number and type of doors and windows
- What is excluded (electrics, heating, internal finishing, plastering)
- Whether VAT is included
- The expected programme and manufacturing lead time
- Deposit amount and payment schedule
- Guarantee terms and IBG provider
A quote that does not include the glass U-value and SHGC cannot be meaningfully compared with one that does. If an installer resists providing this information, that is a signal worth noting. See how to choose a conservatory company for the full red-flag and vetting checklist.
Comparing quotes fairly
The headline price comparison only makes sense if the quotes are for the same or equivalent specification. A cheaper quote that omits the base, specifies older polycarbonate, excludes VAT or uses a lower-quality glass unit may look better on paper but deliver a worse outcome. Build a simple comparison table with each quote covering: price (VAT inclusive), base included (yes/no), roof glass SHGC, roof glass U-value, frame material and guarantee length. The quote that performs best across all those factors at an acceptable price is usually the right choice, not the lowest-cost headline number.
The quote-to-completion timeline
Once you have chosen an installer and paid a deposit, the typical timeline runs: 6–10 weeks manufacturing lead time; 1–3 days groundworks; 7–14 days base cure; 2–5 days frame and glazing installation; finishing and handover. Total elapsed time from signing the contract to completion is typically 8–14 weeks for a standard conservatory. Orangeries take longer due to masonry work. See how long to build a conservatory for the full programme detail. This page is general guidance on the quote process; it is not a contract, legal or financial advice. All figures are typical illustrations.
Ready to get your conservatory quotes?
Use Conservatory Answers to connect with conservatory companies in your area. It is free to use and there is no obligation to proceed with any quote you receive.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get for a conservatory?
At least three written, itemised quotes from FENSA-registered companies. Three quotes help you establish the market rate, compare specifications meaningfully and identify any outliers.
What information do I need before getting conservatory quotes?
A rough idea of the style, size, roof type and frame material you prefer; the orientation of your garden; and how you intend to use the space. The more specific your brief, the more useful the quotes you receive.
How long does it take from quote to completed conservatory?
Typically 8–14 weeks from signing the contract to completion for a standard conservatory, including manufacturing lead time. See our build time guide for the detail.
Is it free to get conservatory quotes?
Reputable conservatory companies provide quotes without charge. Be cautious if a company charges a fee for a quote or survey — this is not standard practice for conservatory work.
Sources & further reading
- FENSA — installer registration checker and consumer guidance for glazing and conservatory work
- Glass & Glazing Federation — Consumer Code, quote guidance and GGF member standards
- GOV.UK / Trading Standards — consumer rights in home improvement, cooling-off periods and contract advice
- Planning Portal — planning guidance for conservatories and extensions to help prepare your brief
This is general information about conservatories and orangeries in the UK, not planning, structural, legal or financial advice. Costs are typical illustrations only and are not quotes for any specific project; actual prices vary with size, site conditions and your chosen installer.