Planning a Conservatory

A conservatory is not an inexpensive thing to have built. Also known as a sunroom or plant room, designing and implementing one is one of the most interesting and fun things you’re going to do with your home, but also one of the more costly addtions. It will however add literally thousands of pounds to the value of your home and as such, should be done well if its going to be done at all.

A Conservatory set into a corner of the house

If possible, have your plans drawn by an architect, unless you are well versed in drawing plans of this type.

If you choose to design yourself, then you will want to mark out the area of your conservatory and using pegs and string, set it out to view.

Possibly fill it with the furnishings that you plan on using in it, perhaps a table, sofa, plants and lighting to determine if you have all the space that you want and need for the room.

If placing the furniture there isn’t practical, then use chalk line or peg and string to mark out where it will go in the room.

Before you begin alculate your internal floor size and bear in mind that most companies quote for the outside area. Get at least three quotes but don’t determine the winner of the bid simply by price, The cheaper suppliers will very often not give you the best price and the best service.

An Edwardian Style complements this home nicely

if your conservatory will be a unique or odd shape, its advisable to place the doors on the front, rather than in a small area to the side that will create a corridor of sorts that makes furniture placement difficult.

Try to build the conservatory onto a room that is well used such as the living room or kitchen so that it is more often used and more easily accessed. Select a style and a shape that enhances the look of your home and don’t skimp, or compromise on the size of it to keep costs down. Buy the best you can afford.

If you can do so readily match the style and the siding ofy our home, or select something that complements it well. While this may seem like common sense quite often people neglect that, and don’t take into acount unusually placed or shaped windows, or diverse paneling and or bargeboards and so on.The more money you spend on good and efficient insulating materials, good roofing and glazing, the less costly the room will be to heat so don’t cut corners in that area.

An Edwardian Style Conservatory

Remember to budget for extras such as blinds, window treatments and so on.

A few simple tips prior to the actual event:

Do attempt to negotiate fairly with all of your contractors. Don’t leave them feeling that they’ve been in any way mistreated, and don’t expect that you’re going have all the mod cons if you’re prepared to pay low price or only for the most inexpensive design.

Before the beginning ground breaking, meet several times with your contractors to assure that all of you get on well and that you have a workable relationship. Its imperative that you trust each other and work well together.

Don’t rely on the supplier or contractor to pick up every simple task. If you aren’t certain what they are going to accomplish, such as getting the permits in order to build, then do it yourself.

Always treat your help in a friendly way. The job will go more quickly and certainly more smoothly

If possible, view some installations done by your supplier. Talk to their customers about whether there were any major delays etc.

An inside view of this lovely conservatory shows possible furniture inclusions

Have a contingency plan including funds as there may be unexpected  surprises once the construction starts, for which you’re going to need to have funding available.

Let your neighbours know about your plans  you will be glad you included them.

Inform your insurance company, as you will need to review your coverage to see if its needed upped at all.

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