Most of us homeowners long for a bit of extra space, which is why a conservatory is such a popular option. It provides a light airy room with an undisturbed view of the garden, whatever the weather.

And as well as the practical benefits of owning a conservatory, there are some good investment reasons for adding one to your home. Independent surveys, including one undertaken by Ideal Home Magazine, have found that a property in the UK can rise in value by up to 15 per cent as a result of adding a conservatory.

If you compare the current market price of your house, against the amount you are prepared to pay for a conservatory, then there’s a good chance that it is a sound investment. For example, if a seven-room house were valued at £175,000, each room is worth on average £25,000 – and a conservatory can provide an extra living space for much less.

When it comes to selling your house, a leading financial institution asked British estate agents to define what helps to make a house more valuable, and boosts its appeal to prospective buyers.

Wooden and uPVC Conservatories were in the top three results for 10 out of the 11 areas surveyed. And, of course, as well as financial gains, a conservatory also provides attractive extra space for the family.