Top ten tips for choosing
a conservatory
There’s no disguising
the fact that choosing a conservatory
is a major decision. Get it right and
you’ll enjoy many years of enjoyment
from what could be the perfect addition
to your home and your lifestyle.
So how do you ensure you
make the right decision? Simple. You can
start by reading these 10 tips compiled
from the advice of interior designers,
architects and gardening experts:
| 1. |
Think about the intended
use |
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How do you envisage using your new
conservatory? Will be it a playroom,
a dining area, an office, a second
living room or an all year round,
all weather extension to the garden?
Its purpose doesn’t have to
fit exclusively into one of these
categories, but your conservatory’s
ultimate day-to-day use will determine
how large it needs to be as well which
style, layout and materials will work
best. |
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| 2. |
Design and Quotation |
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Make sure that you receive detailed
designs and quotation listing all
the specification; don’t be
afraid to ask for the quotation breaking
down so you can see how the price
has been put together. |
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| 3. |
Don’t automatically
go for the cheapest choice. |
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With conservatories, you tend to
get what you pay for. As such, don’t
automatically go for the ‘cheapest’
company unless its products and services
also happen to be better than the
competition. Another important factor
to consider when appointing your installer
should be their ability to meet your
timescales. The last thing you want
is an installation that will drag
on and on, leaving your home looking
like a building site for weeks or
even months. |
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| 4. |
Choose your materials wisely.
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The materials that make up your
conservatory will have an enormous
effect on its lifespan, practicality
and usage. Frames tend to be PVCu
for lasting performance and glazing
can now be polycarbonate, clear glass
or performance glass. Choose materials
that are easy to clean and maintain
– you’ll be thankful for
this in the long-term.
Bases are typically built in stone
or brick; ensure your builder can
match to your existing brickwork.
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| 5. |
Think about the position.
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Bear in mind the aspect –
or position – of your conservatory.
Conservatories that face south receive
more sun than those facing north and
as such the need for adequate ventilation
and blinds is of uppermost importance.
To help you regulate the temperature
in a south facing conservatory, you
might also want to think about using
Celsius performance glass in the roof.
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| 6. |
Size matters |
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Once you’ve decided on the
design and size of your new conservatory,
get a second opinion from a friend
or family member. Make sure your choice
complements your home and has enough
internal floor space to meets your
requirements. In short, treat it as
a fluid extension to your home rather
than just an add-on. |
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| 7. |
Consider your glazing options. |
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Carefully think about the type of
glazing you’d like to use in
your conservatory. Normal glass and
polycarbonate will allow solar heat
to penetrate into your conservatory,
potentially making the inside temperature
hot summer days. To avoid this ‘greenhouse’
effect, whilst reducing heat loss
in winter, opt for a performance glass
such as Celsius. |
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| 8. |
Ventilation, ventilation,
ventilation. |
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To help prevent the build of condensation
in your conservatory, you need to
ensure it has adequate ventilation.
The K2 roof vent lets fresh air in
whilst keeping the elements and insects
out. As an alternative, you could
also consider roof fans or an air
conditioning unit if your budget will
stretch to it. |
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| 9. |
Check with your local authority.
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If you’re building a conservatory
in England or Wales, you will not
usually need planning permission (unless
your property is listed, in a conservation
area or it has already been extended).
However it is always better to be
safe than sorry. If you’re in
any doubt, check as early as you can
with your local authority or your
chosen installer about this and any
relevant building regulations. |
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| 10. |
Call on the professionals. |
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Finally, always get your conservatory
professionally designed and installed.
Also be sure to use vetted installers
who offer an insurance backed guarantee.
With such a major and prized investment,
it’s simply not worth taking
the risk! |
