1.Think
about the intended use.
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. Match
your conservatory to your home.
A conservatory should not be a "bolt on" to your
property. Always endeavour to match your new addition into
your home. Match brick work and render details. Make it feel
and look as though it's always been there.
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3. Don't
automatically go for the cheapest choice.
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.
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4. Choose
your materials wisely.
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.
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5. Think
about the position.
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. Calculate
your internal floor area.
Always calculate your internal floor area when ordering a
conservatory. Most suppliers will quote sizes based on external
sizes. Typically your internal depth (projection) is 10.5
inches (275 mm) less than external depth while internal width
is 21 inches (550 mm) less than external width if you use
a cavity wall construction.
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7. Bigger
isn't always better.
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 doesn't take up
your entire garden. In short, treat it as a fluid extension
to your home rather than just an add-on.
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8. Ventilation,
ventilation, ventilation.
To help prevent the build of condensation in your conservatory,
you need to ensure it has adequate ventilation. A 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.
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. Inform
your insurers.
Remember to inform your insurers of your new conservatory
addition. Adequate cover for complete rebuilding should be
arranged as soon as the conservatory is erected.
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