Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect
to get all mod cons if you're only prepared to pay for
the cheapest
design.
Try to meet the builders who will be doing the work – it’s
crucial that you can get on with them.
Check for yourself whether you'll need planning permission.
Be friendly and cooperative towards the builders – you’ll
enhance the chances of getting the job done well.
If possible, view some installations done by your proposed
supplier. Talk to their customers about how the builders
went about their work.
Always have a small contingency as there may be unexpected
and unpleasant surprises once the construction starts,
for which money will need to be available.
Buy the best conservatory you can afford. Gather as much
information as possible on glazing options and construction
materials so that you can make an informed purchasing
decision.
Inform neighbours of your plans so that they won't be offended
by your conservatory – either through jealousy
or loss of light in their garden.
Let your insurance company know about the new extension,
as you will need to review your cover.
Design and decision tips
Choose a shape and style that will enhance
the look of your home.
Try to match the construction materials and colour with
those used for your home.
Take interesting details like bargeboards and unusually-shaped
windows into the design of your conservatory.
Don't compromise on the size of your conservatory.Use pegs
and string to mark out the area of your proposed conservatory
and then, ideally, fill it with the planned furnishings – a
dining table, a sofa and plants – to check
whether you have as much space as you would like.
If moving the
furniture is impractical, use sand or chalk to mark
out the spaces they will take up.
Always calculate your internal floor size when ordering
a conservatory and remember than most conservatory
companies quote for the external area.
Get at least three quotations but don't automatically choose
the lowest. The cheapest supplier will rarely give
you the best product or service.
Depending on the shape of the conservatory, it is generally
inadvisable to put doors in the front of the conservatory,
as it creates a corridor that makes fitting in furniture
difficult.
Build your conservatory onto a well-used room, like your
kitchen or living room.
Have a plan drawn up by an architect if you are looking
for a specific and unusual design. This helps in
discussions with the supplier and will also enable you to compare estimates
on a like-for-like basis, which is important.
The more money you spend on efficient insulation and roofing
and glazing systems, the less you'll end up spending
on heating and cooling systems for your conservatory.
Remember to budget for extras such as blinds, furniture
and heating.
DIY construction tips
Do your homework. Research which conservatory you
want by searching the internet and speaking to
local conservatory
suppliers. Make lists of all the materials you will
need plus their costs – this will help you set your
budget.
Be aware that manufacturers often quote 'inside cill' sizes.
This is roughly equivalent to inside of the outside
skin of bricks in a cavity wall, which is neither the indoor
floor size, nor the outside wall size.
Buy where the trade buys. Screwfix Direct is a good starting
point for screws, fixings etc.
Make the conservatory floor height the same as the floors
in your home.
At the planning stage, add sufficient funding for extras
such as skip hire, drainage pipes and paving.
Beware of building your dwarf wall too high – you
won't be able to enjoy the view of the garden!
Make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Get help from friends who have experience in skills like
concreting or plumbing. And don’t be afraid
to hire professional help when you really need it.
Don't skimp on the finishes you won't see, like cavity
insulation and foundation. It will come back to haunt
you eventually.
Buy from a conservatory specialist rather than a DIY store.
The former can give you invaluable advice on glazing
and roofing options and will be able to offer advice when things
don't go according to plan.
Attach 20mm PVCu trunking to the head of the PVCu frame
between the roof and window sections. This gives
the appearance of it being part of the window frame and provides great
flexibility in adding extra lights, speaker wires,
alarm detectors, etc.
Always lay your insulated central heating pipes in a gap
created in the concrete flooring, never bury them
in the concrete (should there be a leak it would be a disaster!).
Maintenance tips
Use a silicone lubricant on squeaky hinges.
Using washing up liquid to clean the windows will degrade
the sealant so don't be tempted!
Never use abrasive cleaners on woodgrain PVCu conservatories.
Aluminium polish bought at motor shops can be used as a
cleaner for silver aluminium conservatories.
