DIY Conservatory Good Idea Guide

Over the years we have spoken to various companies, salespeople, architects, designers and have compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help you make the right decision.

1. Funding of your conservatory? Approximately 90% of people who purchase a conservatory borrow from a bank, building society or themselves. We would suggest that the building society offers the lowest interest rates for borrowing and are well worth perusing.
2. Always have a look through some of our conservatory brochures to see if you like a design before you meet your conservatory supplier.
3. When considering a design always think width not projection, this will enable you to place a table across the width of the conservatory so you will be able to view the garden or arrange your furniture to take full advantage of the garden views.
4. Before deciding on your supplier it is always a good bet to see some of their previous work and if possible speak to one or two of their clients.
5. Guarantees are always very important. In general your guarantee should be for a period of not less than 10 years and should cover the entire conservatory including locks and handles etc. If you are dealing with a small company this should be underwritten by an insurance company.
6. Setting out your conservatory is is always a good idea to mark out this area with garden canes so you can see how much garden it will take up and this will help you decide on your patio and landscaping arrangements.
7. The cost of your conservatory will be dependent upon size, design and material. PVCuor hardwood, pollycarbonate or a glazed roof. However, purchase the best quality that you can afford as it will serve you well over the year that you own it. That is, you pay for what you get.
8. Position of French doors is dependent upon design of the conservatory however you may wish to consider doors to the side of the conservatory which then allows your furniture to be placed to and around the front of the conservatory. Therefor giving direct access to the patio or garden, should you wish to place the doors to the front or center this may lead to a corridor effect. That is, you may find you have to navigate yourself around your furniture and family to get to the doors. Food for thought.
9. If your conservatory faces north you should be okay during summer but winter it will be cold and you should consider Pilkington K Glass and argon filled seal unit to give a high degree of insulation.
10. Like wise south facing conservatories will require a high degree of ventilation, i.e. roof vents and low level opening windows, air conditioning is well worth considering together with blinds for both roof and panels.