Here are our top ten tips for you to consider…

1. Why choose a conservatory?

There are normally three options available to increasing your living space:

• Move House
• Build an extension
• Add a conservatory

With ever increasing house prices actually moving house is the most expensive option closely followed by building an extension which is why many people now choose a conservatory as the most cost effective and easiest solution to increasing their living space. Adding a conservatory to your home will also add value to your property providing of course that the new conservatory is designed to complement your home and the additional living space can be used all year round.

2. How will you use your conservatory?

Planning the use of your conservatory will help determine the size, design and specification of the components used such as glass and roof glazing. Conservatories can be used as dining rooms, children's playroom, home office or just a ‘chill out’ room where you can sit and enjoy your garden. Always add the “what if” factor – design to suit your needs but consider other people uses should you decide to move at a later date.

3. Where to get ideas.

Visit showrooms and garden centres for design ideas, if you wish to view the real thing instead of a printed brochure. Ask friends and family for their views if they have a conservatory.

4. Which design?

Your choice of design is important, so make sure that it is in keeping with your property and that the size is balanced. It is important to ensure that adding a conservatory will enhance your home and living space and of course add value to your property. A poorly designed structure could affect your home’s saleability when it comes to moving. For ideas of designs visit our Conservatory style gallery

5. Estimate or quotation?

Check the wording – an estimate is what is says... the price could go up or down – generally upwards! A quotation will stay – but check the specification carefully to ensure that everything you want is included in the price.

6. What is a good specification?

Conservatory specifications vary considerably so be sure to check the performance, pedigree and warranties offered for the components used in the construction of your new conservatory.

The three main elements to any conservatory are: PVCu windows and doors, double glazed sealed units and the conservatory roof.

Your new conservatory will be a permanent extension to your home so you will need to satisfy yourself that your choice of these three components will provide you with extra living space that can be used all year round.

PVCu Windows and Doors

The bulky and bevelled design profiles of previous times have largely disappeared and the latest generation PVCu profiles offer slim sightliness, ovolo sculptured profiles and high security locking systems. The latest designs include low-line glazing gaskets which mean that you are no longer left with ugly black gasket lines around each glazing aperture. Internal glazing beads are a must to prevent any opportunity for the glass to be removed from the outside.

Our conservatories feature Kommerling ‘Lead Free’ PVCu profile which is fully sculptured to replicate traditional timber windows and doors. Kommerling is the number one profile in the UK and Europe and is backed by a 20 year colour fast warranty.

For more information our our PVCu windows and doors click here

Double Glazing

All glazing should be toughened safety glass. Double glazed sealed units will have a U value which is the measurement of heat loss. The higher the U value the lower the surface temperature of the glass and the more likely the glass will have a ‘cold radiator effect’ or cold downdraught making the conservatory uncomfortable to sit in even when heated. Standard air filled double glazed units have a U value of 2.7 which means that most of your expensive heating will escape through the glass to the outside meaning high fuel bills in the colder months of the year.

Tripleshield high performance double glazing has an exceptional U value of just 1.2 which means that more of your heat will be reflected back into the conservatory lowering your fuel costs. Tripleshield also offers protection against solar gain in the summer helping to keep your conservatory cooler.

For more information on Tripleshield click here

Conservatory Roof

Roof systems do vary considerably in both quality and price. Check the pedigree of the roof system and the options that are available to you. In particular, consider carefully the glazing options for the roof and ensure you specify adequate ventilation to avoid heat build-up in the summer months.

Ultraframe conservatory roofs have been used extensively in the UK, Europe and the USA for over 15 years. The roof specification includes built-in trickle ventilation to the eaves and optional Ridgeflow™ ventilation which provides up to 4 changes of air in the roof space every hour.

For more information of Ultraframe Conservatory Roofs click here

7. Local or National Installer?

Local installers rely on a high level of recommendation from their installations and will want to ensure your complete satisfaction so are likely to provide a better service and offer value for money. Most local installers concentrate on installation rather than manufacturing and will choose to buy their products from national manufacturers who use automation and the latest manufacturing techniques to ensure high quality products.

National installers will generally use commission based salesmen and call centres for customer support which often means a lack of personal service.

8. Heating & Ventilation

Radiators can be used but these take up valuable wall space so underfloor heating is becoming very popular and is inexpensive to install with low running costs. Air conditioning units are a very popular choice since not only do they help to reduce the ambient temperature in the summer but most units now provide heating in the colder months of the year, often at 30% of the cost of conventional electric radiators.

Conservatories can become quite warm and therefore ventilation is extremely important. Using top hung windows in the design provide ventilation and also add to security. Most roofs are ventilated and either polycarbonate or glass can be used. The polycarbonate roofing materials are supplied in a series of colours - clear, bronze, opal or Heatguard.

A glass roof is much quieter when it rains and offers improved insulation benefits but heavier and more expensive than polycarbonate. Solar control glass is becoming a very popular choice for south facing conservatories as the glass has a reflective coating externally which prevents UV rays from penetrating the roof whilst allowing maximum light transmission.

9. How long will it take?

Most reputable companies have a lead time of around 4 – 6 weeks and compared to an extension or building alterations a conservatory is fairly quick and without hassle with the ground works taking less than a week and installation a similar period.

10. Guarantee

Your installer should provide a ten year guarantee which is normally insurance backed to provide peace of mind. Most guarantees are transferable to the new owner of the property when you move, although there may be a small charge for transfer.