Getting quotes for conservatories in Kent is easy; working out which installer to trust is the hard part. The market ranges from national brands with slick showrooms to small local fitters working out of a van, and the price you are quoted often says less about quality than the guarantee, the base and the glazing behind it. This guide explains what a good conservatory installation should include, the certification that actually applies to conservatories, and the questions that separate a reliable Kent installer from one who will leave you with a leaking roof and no comeback.
What conservatories in Kent typically cost
Price depends far more on size, style and base than on your postcode, but Kent sits close to the higher end of regional pricing because of London-adjacent labour rates. A modest lean-to or Victorian conservatory in uPVC will usually be the cheapest option, a P-shaped or bespoke design in aluminium the most expensive, and a tiled or solid roof adds significantly to any of them. When you compare quotes, make sure they cover the same scope: the frames, the glazing specification, the base and groundwork, electrics, and any dwarf wall are the items that move the total, so a cheap quote that leaves out the base is not really cheaper.
Always insist on a written, itemised quotation rather than a single headline figure. A reputable installer will break down the frames, glass, roof, base and fitting so you can see what you are paying for and compare like with like. Be wary of high-pressure discounts that expire the same day; a genuine price does not evaporate if you take a week to think.
Do conservatories in Kent need FENSA or building regulations?
This is where a lot of homeowners are misled. A conservatory is generally exempt from building regulations, and FENSA does not cover conservatories at all, so an installer offering you a FENSA certificate for the conservatory itself has misunderstood the rules. The exemption applies provided the conservatory is built at ground level with a floor area under 30 square metres, is separated from the house by external-quality doors or windows, has at least half of its new wall and three-quarters of its roof glazed or translucent, and uses a heating system with its own on/off and temperature controls independent of the house.
Two things still bring the work into scope. First, the glazed doors connecting the house to the conservatory need to comply, and if they are being replaced, that glazing does fall under FENSA or CERTASS. Second, safety glazing rules under Part N and the electrical work under Part P still apply. So the honest answer a good installer gives is: the conservatory is exempt, but the connecting doors and the electrics are not, and they will handle certification or notify Local Authority Building Control for those elements. You can check the current position on the Planning Portal.
How to check a Kent conservatory installer
Certification is your first filter. Because FENSA does not apply to the conservatory, look instead for membership of a recognised trade body such as the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), CERTASS or FENSA for the glazing work they do elsewhere, and for TrustMark registration, the government-endorsed quality scheme. These do not guarantee perfection, but they mean the firm has been vetted and gives you a route to complaint if something goes wrong.
Next, check that the guarantee is insurance-backed. A ten-year guarantee from a one-man firm is worthless if that firm has folded by year three, whereas an insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) is honoured by an underwriter even if the installer ceases trading. Ask to see recent local installations, ideally in the same style as yours, and read independent reviews on a platform the company cannot edit, such as Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders or Google. A Kent-based installer with a physical address and a track record you can drive past is a safer bet than a distant call-centre brand.
Questions to ask before you sign
Take a fixed list to every quote so you are comparing the same things. Ask what the base and foundations will be and whether they are included in the price, since a poorly built base is the most common cause of later cracking and leaks. Ask for the exact glazing specification, including the U-value and whether the glass is toughened where required. Ask who does the electrical work and whether a Part P certificate will be issued. Ask whether the connecting doors are included and who certifies them. Ask for the guarantee terms in writing and confirm it is insurance-backed. Finally, ask how any deposit is protected and never pay the full amount up front; a staged payment tied to progress is standard and protects you.
If an installer is vague on the base, evasive about certification, or pushes you to sign on the day, treat that as your answer. The firms worth hiring are comfortable putting all of this in writing. For more on planning and home improvement across the county, see the Contemporary Structures homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory in Kent?
Most conservatories fall under permitted development and do not need planning permission, provided they stay within size and height limits and do not cover more than half the garden. If your home is listed, in a conservation area, or you want something large, check with your local council first. A good installer will flag this before quoting.
Is a conservatory covered by a FENSA certificate?
No. FENSA does not cover conservatories, so you should not expect or accept a FENSA certificate for the conservatory itself. FENSA or CERTASS certification only applies to replacement windows and the glazed doors connecting the conservatory to the house.
What is an insurance-backed guarantee and why does it matter?
An insurance-backed guarantee is underwritten by an insurer, so it still pays out if the installer goes out of business. It matters because a standard company guarantee is only as reliable as the company behind it, and smaller firms do sometimes close before a ten-year guarantee expires.
How long does a conservatory take to build?
A standard conservatory usually takes two to four weeks once work starts, depending on the base, the size and the weather. A tiled or solid roof, or difficult groundwork, will add time. Ask for a realistic schedule in writing rather than an optimistic verbal estimate.
Should I choose a local Kent installer or a national brand?
Both can do good work. A local installer with a fixed address, strong reviews and trade-body membership is often more accountable and easier to get back if there is a problem. National brands offer scale and financing but can be more expensive and more sales-driven. Judge each on certification, guarantee and reviews rather than on size alone.
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