Some dos and don'ts to get you thinking:
Seek information - make sure you are buying the highest quality structure within your budget
Make sure you ask your builder what's included in his quote - could it be including flooring and electrics or are you left with a bare shell?
Do install effective heating and ventilation arrangements to be able to use it in most seasons
Do check out whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval if you proceed without them you might want to take it down
Do think concerning the position of the conservatory - if it's south facing it'll need good ventilation and shade, if it's north facing it will need efficient heating
Don't try and construct your own conservatory
Don't add a conservatory if it's going to take up an excessive amount of space in the garden
Don't choose a design which is not in keeping with your home
Getting a professional company to construct your conservatory needn't be a problem, searching for builders who concentrate on conservatories in your town at the FMB's website, www.findabuilder.co.uk
Planning & Building regulations
There is generally no requirement of conservatories to meet Building Regulations in England and Wales if they're separated from the rest of the house, for instance by patio doors, the ground area does not exceed 30 square metres which is not permanently heated. You should check with your local authority because other restrictions may apply in your town.
If you reside in Scotland conservatories do need to comply with Part J from the Building Standards. Again, check with your local authority for detailed information.
In England and Wales many conservatories won't need planning permission. For more information browse the Government's planning website at www.planning.odpm.gov.uk/householder. In Scotland, take a look at www.scotland.gov.uk or call 08457 741741.
Structurally speaking - how's it made?
Most conservatories will have a concrete foundation and floor slab, cavity brickwork lower walls with glazed upper walls and roof panels set inside a framing system. Numerous materials can be used as framing, uPVC being the most economical and therefore most often used, with aluminium, steel and timber offering alternative options. All will give you a good result, but achieving watertight joints with timber is more dependent on the skill of the installer, and uPVC might not be allowed on listed buildings or in conservation areas.
FMB member Fincrest specialises in conservatory construction across the south east of England, and managing director, Peter Dancy says: "A well-built conservatory may be used throughout every season, but think carefully before choosing the glazing because the wrong type can make life uncomfortable if the weather conditions are too hot, too cold or too wet."
Glass facts for conservatories:
Safety: For safety, toughened or laminated glass must be used throughout. Laminated glass offers added security benefits against break-ins and cuts out around 90% of the sun's UV rays, which fade furnishings.
Stay cool: To prevent overheating, especially if your conservatory faces south, use solar control glass for example K2's Celsius Performance Glass or bronze polycarbonate panels for that roof. This could lessen the temperature by a number of degrees in the summer as well as reducing glare.
Some conservatory roof systems have ridge ventilation and roof lights that open automatically above a given temperature to allow air to flow. Opt for the positioning of windows and doors to allow a cross flow of air when open.
Winter warmer: Fitting low-emissivity glass will add just two or three hundred pounds to the bill but significantly reduces heat loss during winter.
Noise reduction: K2's Celsius Performance Glass offers dramaticaly improved sound reduction compared to 25mm polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate roof panels may be more affordable, but they are far noisier than glass if this rains, and may be real conversation stoppers in a downpour. If you wish to use your conservatory like a main living room it's worth paying extra for a glass roof.
Author Resource:
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