Why choose a DIY Conservatory?

You may have many questions relating to the purchase of a DIY conservatory. How much money could I save by purchasing a DIY self build conservatory? What conservatory specification should I go for? What material should the roof be constructed from? How and where should there be ventilation? Helpful advice is detailed below.

We have listed below a few reasons why people have decided on a DIY self build Conservatory:

"We had a limited budget and found that a conservatory kit was an ideal solution. When it was completed all of our friends and family thought it was very professionally finished and looked fabulous and has given us years of pleasure. Without any problems I would advise anybody with a budget to consider a DIY conservatory kit. Our kit came with full easy to follow instructions but if you have a problem you can always call your supplier."

A pretty cottage provides the setting for this beautiful hardwood conservatory with ornate ridge cresting top hung windows and French doors opening out onto the patio and open fields beyond. This design can also be provided in white PVCu or wood effect.

"I am good at DIY and have carried out various building projects around the house including building a garage. Therefore it was an obvious choice to purchase a kit. It took about a week to build the base and two weeks to erect the conservatory. Although it was hard work the finish was very pleasing plus I saved money, which was important to us as we had a limited budget. I did have a few construction problems but our supplier told me what to do and all was well. I enjoyed the challenge of building the conservatory, which I now look at with pride."

It is essential that the conservatory suits the architecture of the house and materials used.
This handsome octagonal conservatory with a lean-to attachment offers an easy design solution for any house. In this case, the conservatory is used as both a dining room and sunlounge. French doors open out onto steps taking you to a lower level then onto the garden.
This conservatory has been constructed in PVCu golden oak but can be supplied in any other material of your choice.

"My wife and I are keen gardeners and the thought of a conservatory appealed to us. We had designed the garden between us then thought of a conservatory so we could enjoy the garden whatever the weather or time of year.
"However our biggest problem was that we are both at work and have only the weekend to ourselves so we employed a bricklayer to construct the base and a local carpenter to erect the conservatory, which left us to finish off the decoration. We saved money plus, we have a beautiful timber conservatory, which our friends enjoy."

A beautiful 1920's house provides the backdrop to this white PVCu combination conservatory. Resulting in a decorative yet functional room with 2 pair or French doors opening out onto the patio and gardens beyond.

How Much Money Can I Save?

Literally thousands, but you must remember that a DIY self build conservatory will have the same specifications as a company who supplies and fits. Remember you get what you pay for. Our advice is if possible go for the highest specification you can afford, as this will service you well.

You can purchase a DIY conservatory kit from under a thousand pounds to as much as you wish, dependent on size and specification. But remember this will not include the base or base materials and this should be added in when budgeting for your project. However, some suppliers do offer finance.

What Specification Should I Go For?

As we mentioned before, if possible go for the highest you can afford. Let's give you a few examples:

Conservatory Roof
Your conservatory roof will either have polycarbonate or glass fitted between the rafters.

Polycarbonate

• Scale 1 - 10mm Twin Wall - Minimum specification with low sound and heat insulation.
• Scale 2 - 16mm 3 or 5 Wall - Fairly good specification with medium sound and heat insulation.
• Scale 3 - 25mm 3 or 5 Wall - Very good specification with good heat and sound insulation.

Glass

• Scale 1 - Glass 4-6mm - Single glazing minimum specification with low sound and heat insulation.
• Scale 2 - Double Glazed sealed units with good sound and heat insulation.
• Scale 3 - Double Glazed sealed units with K glass with very good heat and sound insulation.

Roof Ventilation
Always consider a roof vent as the roof canopy is the first part of the conservatory which will start to warm with solar gain from the sun so you can see why this is important. However we do not advise the round solar roof fans as these can malfunction.

Ventilation to your Conservatory
Ventilation is very important otherwise the conservatory will become a bit of a hot house. We would suggest that at least 20% of the floor area should be window and door openings and should be so positioned to achieve cross ventilation.