Conservatories: compare quotes and prices

Unheated shelter or year-round living space?

An unheated conservatory extends outdoor use and provides protection from wind and rain according to the system. It does not guarantee frost-free conditions or living-room comfort. With some simple sliding glazing systems, air gaps and condensation can be part of the intended behaviour.

For permanent living space, roof, floor, frames, glass and connections work together. Better glass alone does not turn a summer enclosure into a habitable room. A permanently open connection to the heated house also affects the energy assessment.

Plan shading and ventilation from the start

Large glazed areas can admit considerable solar heat. South- and west-facing spaces need particular attention to shading and openings. Insulation alone does not prevent summer overheating. External shading can intercept sunlight before it passes through the glass.

Ventilation needs an effective air path. Consider operation while you are away, during rain or wind, and security against intrusion. Motors and sensors can help, but do not replace coordinated design. Specify a realistic comfort target, including for hot days.

Location, foundations and connection to the house

Attached or freestanding, at ground level or on a roof: these differences affect loads, installation and connections. Width and depth are more useful than total area alone because spans and openings can differ. Snow and wind loads must be designed for the actual site.

An existing patio or canopy is not automatically a suitable base. Foundations, structure, drainage and facade connections need assessment. Creating a wall opening involves further trades. Establish who carries out this work and coordinates it.

Choose glazing for its function

Thermal performance, solar gain, safety, opening method and cleaning access should be considered together. The number of panes alone does not describe the performance of the complete component; frames and edges matter too.

Roof glazing, doors and glazing that prevents falls have different requirements. The contractor selects appropriate glass and fixings. Clearly visible transparent surfaces, manageable doors and practical thresholds are also part of a successful design.

Clarify the intended use before ordering

Have planning feasibility and local energy requirements checked early. A product name or marketing description does not replace this assessment. Adding a radiant heater does not give unrestricted scope to convert an unheated system into living space.

Cantonal and municipal requirements differ. The owner’s or co-owners’ consent may also matter. A completed dossier is not needed for an initial enquiry, but responsibilities and necessary approvals must be established before ordering and construction.

What does a conservatory cost in Switzerland?

A public Swiss supplier example checked in October 2026 lists approximately CHF 27,000 for an unheated 3 × 3 m glass-roof enclosure with sliding walls on three sides, design, delivery, installation and VAT. Roof shading is excluded; foundations and special installation may add costs. This is not a market average.

Another supplier prices an insulated steel-aluminium system with double glazing and no shading at CHF 1,400–1,600 per m² of glass, including design, manufacture and installation, excluding VAT. Glazed area is not floor area: this basis cannot be compared directly with a whole-project price.

Separate the structure, site work and equipment. Check foundations, removal, facade work, heating, electrics, ventilation, blinds, flooring, transport and VAT. Future energy, cleaning and maintenance costs also affect the decision.

Investigate the cause before choosing a repair

Moisture may come from rain, leaking connections or condensation. Describe where and when it appears instead of prescribing a repair immediately. Sticking sliding doors, worn seals and broken glazing involve different work from an energy upgrade.

The make and model help identify compatible spare parts. An enquiry should still be possible when they are unknown. A site visit establishes condition and feasibility. New glazing may impose different loads or require different profiles, so replacement is not always straightforward.

Make the quotes genuinely comparable

A useful quote describes the usable space and the work needed to achieve it.

1. Use and dimensions. State the intended use and approximate width and depth.
2. Features and openings. Compare equivalent glazing, doors, shading, ventilation and controls.
3. Responsibilities. Allocate foundations, facade work, electrical installation and heating clearly.
4. Timing and handover. Separate design, approvals, manufacture and installation; agree instruction and maintenance documents.