BUYERS GUIDE FOR CONSERVATORIES · 2019-10-08 · T: 0800 622 716 | E: [email protected] WINDOWS •...

T: 0800 622 716 | E: [email protected] www.tkhi.co.uk

WINDOWS • DOORS • BI-FOLDING & COMPOSITE DOORS • CONSERVATORIES & VERANDAS

In the past, if you wanted to add a room to your home which you could use all year round, you’d have to go down the traditional brick and mortar extension route. Thanks to modern innovation, however, a conservatory or glazed extension can be just as good as bricks and mortar, although one will cost you a fraction of the price. If you’d like one to use as a traditional sun room, this option is still available to you too.

As one of Northamptonshire’s most experienced conservatory installation companies, we’ve spent countless hours fitting conservatories to homes across the region. We’ve attempted to compile the expertise we’ve built up during this time into a handy buying guide, so you should have all the information you need when adding a conservatory to your home or replacing the roof on an existing conservatory.


BUYERS GUIDE FOR CONSERVATORIES

Thanks to improvements in glass and conservatory technology, conservatories can be used for a variety of purposes. We’ve listed some of the common ways that they are used today, which might give you some inspiration for what you can achieve:

WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON USING YOUR CONSERVATORY FOR?

This list is by no means extensive and it really is possible to use a conservatory for virtually any purpose nowadays.

Having an idea of what you want out of your conservatory might affect some of the design choices you make. So, be sure to speak to us at T&K about what you want for your conservatory and we can advise the best way to go about achieving it.

Kitchen conservatory Extend your current kitchen space or create an entirely

new one.

Dining room Enjoy meals with your family

under the morning and evening sun.

Living room Watch movies, read your

favourite book or listen to some quality tunes in a naturally lit, airy

environment.

Games room Create a room for the kids to play in or somewhere where you can go to relax.

Ground floor bedroom Create a new space for a member of the household to make their own, or a fancy

place for guests to use when staying over.

What are the different parts of a conservatory?

The three main parts of a conservatory are: the foundations and base, the window, door and conservatory frames, and the roof. We will cover each part in depth so you know what kind of things you should be looking out for and what options are available to you.


WHAT MATERIALS ARE CONSERVATORY FRAMES BUILT FROM? Conservatory frames are built from three different materials: uPVC, aluminium and timber. Whatever you choose will have an effect on the way that your conservatory performs, although there are similarities amongst the three materials.

uPVC

uPVC is the most common material used in the construction of conservatories. It has a number of excellent properties that make uPVC conservatories highly desirable to homeowners such as:

• You can keep uPVC looking its best with the minimum of hassle. Simply wipe it down occasionally using soapy water and a soft cloth and this is all it will ever need.

• As a natural insulator, uPVC does a great job at keeping heat inside conservatory structures. Modern uPVC frames are also equipped with multiple heat-trapping chambers, which improve heat retention further and by some way too. To give you an example, our uPVC casement windows can achieve Window Energy Ratings of ‘A++’ – some of the highest you’ll find anywhere.

• uPVC frames can be coloured in white and various other colours, and textured woodgrain finishes can be applied to them. They are also available with what is known as a dual colour option. This means that you can have a different colour and finish for the internal and external parts of the framing, allowing you to match your home’s interior whilst exhibiting a different external appearance.

• Highly durable and resistant to discolouration, uPVC conservatories are also the most cost-effective option.

Aluminium

In terms of structural strength, aluminium is hands down the strongest of the three materials used in the construction of conservatories. Aluminium conservatories possess their own array of unique properties, which have been listed below:

• As aluminium is so strong, framing that is built from it is able to be constructed slimmer than the other materials. Slimmer framing means a larger glass area, so more light is able to makes its way inside the structure and the view to the outside is less inhibited.

• Thanks to the use of polyamide thermal barriers, aluminium conservatories can compete with the other materials in terms of thermal performance. This is especially true when combined with the latest double glazing, triple glazing or energy-saving glass.

• Like uPVC, it’s virtually maintenance-free so no need to worry about losing your weekends in order to keep an aluminium conservatory clean.

• Because of aluminium’s anti-corrosive layer, the material is extremely hardwearing. Any conservatory built from it is made to last.

• Aluminium frames can be powder coated in a huge number of colours along with smooth and textured finishes so you can give your conservatory a number of distinctive looks.

Timber

Many homeowners have concerns over buying timber frames, due to its susceptibility to rot. However, as long as you make sure that the installation company uses high-quality hardwoods or softwoods that have been treated and engineered for structural integrity, you shouldn’t have an issue with durability.

• A totally natural material with excellent insulating properties, not only does timber retain plenty of heat but it’s also incredibly eco-friendly.

• Without a shadow of a doubt, timber is an incredibly beautiful material. If you’re looking to create an elegant conservatory structure, it really is impossible to go wrong with it.

• In terms of upkeep, timber will require retreating periodically to keep it looking its best and to prevent it from rotting. That being said, timber can be stained or painted so a huge number of finishes can be achieved. Unlike the other materials, you can even change the finish at a later date too.


Ensuring adequate foundations are in place is essential for the life of a conservatory. Without

proper foundations, there are no guarantees that the conservatory is structurally sound.

Over time, poor structural integrity could eventually lead to a conservatory falling

down – a situation that nobody wants to find themselves in!

Building the foundations

The foundations are the first area of the conservatory that we build. When building them, we usually build a solid concrete base with deep footings, which ensures the conservatory is structurally sound.

Ensuring a conservatory is damp proof is also important. So to ensure that moisture from the ground is unable to rise through the foundations, a damp-proof membrane is built into the base. A layer of insulation is also fitted into the base to reduce heat loss through the floor. The final layer of the foundation is a smooth screed floor. This ensures that a flat, smooth surface is in place, on top of which tiles, carpeting or a different type of flooring can be fitted.

How deep should the foundations be?

This depends on a number of things, such as:

• Nearby trees, rivers and trainlines

• Drains

• The condition of the soil

• The foundations that the house has been built upon, such as a house that has been built on piles

In most cases, however, the foundations will be at least a metre deep. Although, foundations that are closer to 1.5m in depth are better for supporting the conservatories and orangeries of today because the materials used to construct them are weightier than they used to be.

When the soil is loose, piled foundations might be used instead. Piled foundations are steel rods that are driven into the ground, helping to distribute a conservatory’s weight evenly.

Durabase Plus base

When it’s suitable to do so, we might use a Durabase plus base for the conservatory instead. This is a modular conservatory base system consisting of steel framing, flooring and underfloor insulation.

As a modular system, there is no need to dig footings so there’s no need for any forklifts, diggers or skips to be used on site. Not only does this make them quicker and easier to install than a traditional conservatory base but it also means they result in less waste. They can also be used to overcome any access issues to the rear of a property.

Guaranteed for 25 years, they’re JHAI approved, so they are compliant with building regulations. We will cover building regulations in more depth later in this guide.

WHY ARE CONSERVATORY FOUNDATIONS IMPORTANT?


CONSERVATORY ROOF OPTIONSFortunately, the days when a polycarbonate roof was the only conservatory roofing option available to you are long gone. Nowadays, homeowners can choose from a number of roofing options for a conservatory.

If natural light is an integral part of your dream conservatory, glass roofs are the option for you. With a fully transparent roof, you can also enjoy uninhibited sky views, which is sure to appeal to any stargazers out there.

The glass roofs of today are incredibly sturdy because the glass units are supported by robust aluminium framing. This ensures they’re able to endure strong winds, heavy snow and whatever else the British weather can throw at them. If you have a uPVC conservatory, the frames can be fitted with matching uPVC caps so the aesthetics will match.

In the past, glass roofs were criticised for turning a conservatory into something more similar to a greenhouse in the summer and a freezer in the winter. However, modern glass technology ensures that today’s glass roofs are much better at reflecting the sun’s rays and retaining heat, resulting in a comfortable conservatory all year round. It’s still important to consider whether the conservatory will be South-facing, North-facing and so on, though. This is because certain types of tinted glass can create a more optimum conservatory environment.

Many glass roofs come fitted with self-cleaning glass too, ensuring they’re easier to keep clean than the glass roofs of old.

Glass roofs

Although a tiled roof will not let in as much light as a glass variant, they can be fitted with rooflights or sections of glazing to improve light entry. They’re suitable for conservatories of any style or size and there is a pelmet ceiling present on the inside. This is a plastered ceiling that goes around the perimeter of the room, which can be fitted with lights and speakers, making the room feel more like an extension of the home.

There are various tiling colours available to choose from so it’s possible to match the roof to that of virtually any existing property.

In terms of insulation, tiled roofs perform the best; we install the Supalite Plus tiled roof, for example, which achieves market-leading U-values of 0.13 W/m2k. For this reason, they are often retrofitted to older conservatories which have trouble retaining heat, turning them into spaces that are usable all year round.

Tiled roofs


Situated in the centre of the pelmet ceiling that you find atop orangeries are lantern roofs. They have a sloping roof design which is made up of slim aluminium framing and large portions of glass. However, uPVC top caps can be placed over the aluminium frames, ensuring they can retain compatibility with uPVC conservatories.

They work and appear like a skylight, ensuring plenty of natural light is able to make its way inside whilst providing clear sky views. They also act as a stylish focal point. Provided a flat roof is present, lanterns roofs can also be fitted onto a conservatory.

Lantern roofs

If you already have a conservatory but you’ve been thinking about upgrading it, a new roof is the perfect solution. Each type of conservatory roof that we’ve covered can be retrofitted to an existing conservatory most of the time too.

Tiled roofs are the most popular option for retrofitting because of their incredible thermal performance. However, glass roofs are a fairly common choice too. Replacing the roof is also much cheaper than having a whole new conservatory fitted, despite the fact that it can make an existing conservatory look and feel like a completely new space.

Replacing your existing conservatory roof

It’s possible to adapt the look of your conservatory by opting for a stylish roof cornice or roof edge trim.

A cornice is a decorative moulding that sits around the perimeter of the conservatory roof. As well as concealing the gutter and rafter ends from view, they’re available in modern and traditional styles, making any conservatory more visually appealing. Roof edge trim also goes around the edge of the roof, sealing it from moisture whilst adding another visual element to the roof.

You might also consider a finial for the top or end of the conservatory, or cresting along the ridge. Such features will complement any traditional conservatory styles beautifully.

Cornices, finials and other decorative elements

Before

After


Victorian conservatories are easily recognised by their hipped roofs, a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, and bay fronts which have multiple sides. They also feature a geometric roof design and they are a distinctive octagonal shape.

They’re one of the most popular conservatory styles and their designs emerged during the Victorian era, hence the name. For this reason, they look incredibly good when installed on Victorian-era and other period homes. However, they’re a popular choice for more modern properties too. They’re often seen on new build homes, for example, likely because new build homes feature traditional architectural elements.

VictorianKnown for having a square or rectangular design and often featuring a mid-height brick wall, Edwardian conservatories are quite the spectacle. Because of their shape, they allow you full use of the available floor space, whilst they also have a hipped roof, so they provide you with plenty of headroom.

This classic conservatory design is a great option for properties that are fairly aged, although they don’t look out of place on more contemporary builds either.

Edwardian

Although aesthetics are an important consideration when thinking about which style of conservatory is right for you, you might find that the practical qualities of a particular style outweigh the looks of another. Certain conservatory styles like P-shaped, for example, also take up a lot of room so those with smaller gardens might feel one will take up too much of their outside space.

Generally seen as the most cost-effective conservatory option, lean-to conservatories feature a low, sloping roof, which allows plenty of natural light inside. As a result of this, they are often used as sun rooms, although advancements in glass technology allow them to be used for various other purposes.

They have a straightforward design that is great at fitting into awkward spaces, making them a popular option for all styles of property.

Lean toP-shaped conservatories are actually the combination of a lean-to conservatory and either a Victorian or Edwardian conservatory, the choice of which is up to you. As they are created by combining two styles of conservatory, they are fairly large in size, making them an ideal option if you’re keen to increase your living space by a sizable amount.

Their layout is pretty flexible so even if you have an awkward garden layout, a P-shaped conservatory can be configured in a way that utilises it effectively.

P shaped

WHAT STYLES OF CONSERVATORY ARE THERE TO CHOOSE FROM?


Layout wise, double hipped conservatories are very similar to Edwardian conservatories; they are either square or rectangular in shape and they have a hipped roof. However, the double hipped variety have a pitched roof on both sides. This roof can even be angled so they’re able to fit onto height restricted properties.

This makes them one of the most adaptable conservatory styles, suitable for all types of property, from modern townhouses to traditional bungalows.

Double hippedFeaturing a vaulted roof and wide front, gable end conservatories allow for maximum light entry. Also known as York conservatories, because of their wide fronts, you can enjoy expansive views of the outside. If your chosen gable end conservatory is wider than it is long, the ridge can be run lengthways and the roof angled too, improving views further.

If you live in a bungalow which has a gable end, this style of conservatory allows you to utilise the extra height that’s available.

Gable end

No matter which conservatory style you prefer, you can decide whether you’d like full length glazing panels or dwarf walls. With full-length glass panels, more light can make its way inside the conservatory and you can enjoy panoramic views of the outside. Therefore, this option is better suited to someone looking for a sun room of sorts.

A dwarf wall, on the other hand, is a short brick wall which can be matched to the brickwork of your current property, although a selection of stone and brick options are available to select from. This option is great for giving a conservatory the look of an extension, plus they come with the added bonus of interior window cills, which you can adorn with pictures, plants and other decorations.

Dwarf walls & full length glazing panelsInstead of a conservatory, you might find an orangery is more in line with what you’d like out of a home extension. Their elegant designs resemble that of an Edwardian conservatory and they can be used in the same way, despite having various differences to conservatories, such as:

• Orangeries feature brick or uPVC pillars between the windows instead of having walls made of glass.

• As they feature more brickwork than a conservatory, orangeries tend to offer better insulation, more shade and higher privacy levels.

• They also have a pelmet ceiling which usually has a lavish lantern roof sitting in the centre of it. This elegant combination of features makes them perfect for adding a sense of grandeur to your home.

Similarly to conservatories, however, their design is very flexible and their bricks, framing, roof, windows & doors can all be chosen by you.

Orangeries



Another alternative is a glazed extension. Like conservatories, they feature glass walls and roofs and might sometimes be built with a dwarf wall. Unlike conservatories, however, they’re built with specifically designed pillars, giving them a higher degree of structural integrity. They also tend to perform better in terms of thermal efficiency, so there’s a good chance that one will you save you more on energy bills. However, glazed extensions are, in most cases, more expensive than conservatories.

Glazed extensions



Fortunately, the days when white was the only choice of colour for a conservatory are long gone and the homeowners of today are able to be much more creative colour-wise.

Conservatory frames can now be coloured in virtually any colour, and you can even choose to have a different colour for the exterior and interior parts of the framing. Generally, the windows, doors and roof will be constructed from the same material, meaning the colour will be consistent throughout the conservatory too. In the case of tiled roofs, however, these are available in a variety of tiling colours to suit the exterior appearance of most properties.

If you’ve opted for a timber conservatory, you have the luxury of being able to repaint the framing as you see fit. However, woodgrain effects and finishes can now be applied to uPVC frames so you can enjoy uPVC’s practical qualities with the stylish looks of timber. Aluminium is the most modern of the three materials meaning contemporary shades like Anthracite Grey suit aluminium frames incredibly well.

Colour

With a variety of glazed door options to choose from, you have a considerable amount of choice when it comes to your conservatory doors. Select from:

• Single doors – available in uPVC, timber & aluminium

• French doors – available in uPVC & timber

• Sliding patio doors – available in uPVC, timber & aluminium

• Bi-fold doors – available in uPVC & timber

Bear in mind that you’re not limited to just one of these door options and you might incorporate several of them into your conservatory’s design. It’s also entirely up to you whether to have doors that open inwards or outwards or slide to the left or right.

DoorsCasement windows are the typical window of choice for a conservatory, however, tilt & turn windows are frequently used too. These feature a unique tilt-in facility, allowing you to safely ventilate the conservatory and clean the windows from inside. For a classic-looking conservatory, flush casement windows are an excellent option. The sash on a flush casement sits flush with the frame, which is reminiscent of traditional timber windows.

You might even consider incorporating Georgian bars onto the windows to further evoke a more traditional feel. There’s a variety of decorative glass designs that you can select from too.

The combination of windows and doors creates the conservatory’s walls, meaning they form a significant part of its overall design.

Windows

The roof and style of your conservatory are only two elements of its overall design; you still need to choose the windows, doors and a variety of other features. These are important because they have an effect on the way your conservatory looks and how you can use it.

When choosing windows and doors, you’ll also have an opportunity to pick the furniture that they’re fitted with. The most common example of furniture being the handles. You will also be able to select from both traditional and modern designs to achieve the look you’re after.

Hardware is available in a selection of colour finishes too, so be sure to pick one that is complementary to the rest of the conservatory.

Window & door furniture

WINDOWS, DOORS & OTHER DESIGN CHOICES


WHICH CONSERVATORY IS RIGHT FOR MY HOME?Provided a conservatory is well-built and suitable for your home, it will almost certainly add value. However, to maximise the value it adds onto your home, it’s important that it isn’t completely at odds with your property in terms of style. Therefore, it’s useful to know how to match your conservatory to your property.

Here at T&K, we use expert design software that allows us to draw up a design of your conservatory. You can then check this design to see if it’s compatible with the appearance of your home and the look you’re trying to achieve.

If you live in a period property of some kind, whether it’s Victorian, Georgian or something else, you can’t go wrong with uPVC frames that have had a woodgrain finish applied to them. With them, you can enjoy the natural beauty of timber and a distinctively classic aesthetic.

For the conservatory’s style, you can’t go wrong with Victorian or Edwardian; either will compliment the traditional architecture beautifully. Whatever style you prefer, fitting your conservatory with a set of French doors will also help you achieve a traditional look.

Finding a conservatory to suit a period property

Aluminium truly is the contemporary conservatory material, so if your home is quintessentially modern, aluminium framing is the way to go. This isn’t to say that uPVC frames don’t lend themselves to the contemporary look well because they do. However, aluminium just has the edge over them in this respect.

Style wise, a square or rectangular conservatory that features clean, simple lines is very much in keeping with modernist architecture. Full-length glass walls are perfect for achieving the modern look too, especially when paired with a set of bifold doors, the most contemporary patio door solution.

It’s important to clarify that these are merely suggestions and, due to the adaptability of modern conservatories, it’s possible to combine conservatory elements in various ways and satisfy the visual requirements of both modern and traditional properties. So, if you’re unsure over what you feel is right for you, feel free to get in touch with us at T&K in order to speak to one of our advisors.

Choosing a conservatory for a modernist property


As a predominately glass structure, the glazing, unsurprisingly, has a significant impact upon the conservatory’s performance. Fortunately, glass technology is far better today than it was even ten years ago, meaning the glass roof conservatories of today are able to stay nice and comfortable throughout the year.

When choosing us to install your conservatory, any glazing that’s fitted will be clear, secure and thermally efficient. However, there are various types of glass available which can alter your conservatory’s performance in one or a number of ways.

Utilising an invisible coating, low-e, or low emissivity, the glass works by reflecting heat back inside the conservatory. It also allows more solar radiation through than standard glass, leading to an increase in heat through passive solar heat gain, helping to keep internal spaces warmer.

On days that are particularly hot, low-e glass has been known to cause overheating. However, T&K will ensure any conservatories fitted with it are designed in a way that negates this. Triple glazing can also cancel out the effects of heat gain so you might consider this also.

Low-e Glass

Solar glass which has the reflective layer on the outside is also available. This layer can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s heat, which is great for preventing overheating on hot days. South-facing conservatories endure the most sun exposure so solar glass can be useful here too.

Solar glass

If you plan to use your conservatory as a sun room, you want to avoid glare and sunburn at all costs. You can do this by opting to have tinted glass installed. Tinted glass has an anti-glare coating which is able to reduce glare by over 60%. Available in shades of blue or aqua, it can also shield you from over 90% of UV rays, providing you with the perfect place to bask in the sun.

Tinted glass

THINKING ABOUT YOUR CONSERVATORY’S GLAZING


Self-cleaning glass is an excellent way to reduce maintenance times. It utilises a special coating on the outer layer which reacts with sunlight in order to break down any organic material that makes its way onto the glass. Once the dirt has been broken down, it can then be washed away by the rain.

Cleaning a glass conservatory roof can be a tricky and time-consuming venture, so opting for self-cleaning glass for the roof is a really good way to save yourself time and effort.

Self-Cleaning Glass

Decorative glass is available in both traditional and contemporary designs, coloured, leaded and bevelled glass options. It’s made by joining coloured and bevelled glass pieces together by metal ‘cames’ and it’s an excellent way to add a stylish touch to your conservatory.

It can be used as part of a double or triple glazed unit so it won’t affect thermal performance, however, it can inhibit external views somewhat. So, if you’re hoping to observe your garden as much as possible, we recommend you don’t use too much decorative glass.

Decorative Glass

Any glass on a conservatory that is within 800mm of the floor must be toughened. This ensures that your conservatory is significantly reinforced against any break-in attempts. Toughened glass must also be used up to a height of 1500mm for any glass doors, whilst glass roofs that are of good quality will use it too.

Safety glass

Should I opt for a double or triple glazed conservatory? As standard, any conservatory will be double glazed. The double glazing of today provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and, in most cases, will be more than able to meet your requirements.

However, triple glazing does offer an improved performance in both of these areas so it’s certainly worth considering. If you live in a noisy area, for example, you might find the reduction in sound provided by triple glazing helps you to relax better in your conservatory.

Triple glazing is also up to 35% more energy efficient than double, helping to keep more heat inside your conservatory. Due to the special coatings used on triple and the extra pane of glass, the risk of your conservatory overheating during periods of warmth is negated too.

Ultimately, this decision is entirely yours. Triple glazing tends to cost a bit more than double, but you might find the performance benefits outweigh the additional expense.


When designing your ideal conservatory, you can’t neglect the features that you have for the interior part of the conservatory. Not only are these important in terms of appearance but they will also bring their own practical qualities.

As they block out the sun’s rays, blinds are a great way to stop your conservatory from overheating. They can be fitted to the roof, the windows and doors, depending on your requirements. They’re also an excellent way to give yourself some privacy. Blinds that sit inside the glazed units (integral blinds) can also be fitted, and these come with the added bonus of no maintenance.

BlindsLike the other rooms in your home, once winter rolls around, a source of heating might be required to keep the conservatory at a comfortable temperature. Your chosen conservatory installation company should work with you to account for heating in your conservatory’s design, laying it out in a way that best suits your requirements.

Heaters

There is plenty of choice when it comes to the flooring in your conservatory. Select from:

• Carpet

• Laminate flooring

• Real wood

• Tiles

• Vinyl

It’s worth bearing in mind that real wood will expand and contract after extensive sun exposure so it might not fare too well in a glass roof conservatory. Carpet will also attract more dirt so, if you expect there to be heavy foot traffic from the garden, a low maintenance option like tiling or vinyl might be a better option.

Flooring

THE CONSERVATORY’S INTERIOR


If you plan on using your conservatory once the sun goes down, it will need to be fitted with lighting of some kind. There are various lighting options available to you, including:

• Ceiling lights

• Wall lamps

• Chandeliers

• Floor & table lamps

• Pendant lights

• Wire lighting

When opting for a tiled roof conservatory or an orangery, it’s also possible for recessed spotlights to be integrated into the ceiling area.

You might find that a particular type of lighting isn’t conducive to how you’d like to use your conservatory. However, as conservatory design specialists, we can help you to decide which lighting option is best for you.

Conservatory lighting

Another option if you’ve chosen a tiled roof conservatory or orangery are integrated speakers. These can also be fitted into the internal ceiling, allowing you to listen to music, the radio or another audio source as and when you please.

Speakers

THE CONSERVATORY’S INTERIOR


If you live in a conservation area and want to build a conservatory, planning permission may be required, even if it adheres to the limits outlined above. Conservation areas are areas where local councils are obliged to preserve special architectural or historical characteristics. Therefore, further restrictions on the alterations you can make to your property tend to be in place.

You should be able to find local conservation areas on your local planning authority’s website. You can also check with the local planning authority to determine if planning permission will be required before any building work begins.

Conservation areas

The intention of AONBs is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. Similarly to conservation areas, they tend to restrict what you can and can’t do to your property. Therefore, checking with your local planning authority is essential before any work begins.

Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)

If you live in a listed building and want to build a conservatory, listed building consent is likely to be required. This consent is required for alterations or extensions to listed buildings that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. Check with your local authority Conservation Officer to determine whether or not it is required before building a conservatory. You should be able to contact them through your local council’s website.

Listed buildings

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR CONSERVATORIESConservatories are usually considered a permitted development

right, which essentially means that they can be built without acquiring prior planning approval. However, this is subject to certain limits, which are outlined below. The following limits also apply to other types of single-storey extensions:

• The conservatory must not cover more than 50% of the size of the existing house.

• It doesn’t include any balconies, verandas or raised platforms.

• Its height is no more than 4 metres and not higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

• It must not front or obstruct a public road.

• No more than half the area of land around the original house is covered by additions or other buildings.

• It must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 8 meters if an attached house, or by 6 meters if a detached house.


If you require planning permission, you can submit a planning application through your local planning authority’s website. We advise that you study the local planning authority’s policy thoroughly before submitting an application. Alternatively, you can visit planningportal.co.uk and submit a planning application to any local planning authority in England via their website.

Or, we can handle the whole process for you, if you’d prefer.

Where do I go if I need planning permission?

Building regulations set health and safety standards for buildings and those using them. Complying with them is an entirely different matter to planning permission, However, a conservatory is exempt from them providing it is:

• Built at ground level

• Less than 30 metres square

• Separated by an external wall, or external windows and doors

• The conservatory has an independent heating system

• No less than 1 metre away from any boundary

If the planned conservatory deviates from these limits in any way or if you want to remove the doors or wall linking the conservatory to your house, building regulations approval will need to be sought out. You can apply for approval via the Planning Portal website (www.planningportal.co.uk).

Building regulations

The Neighbour Consultation Scheme gives your neighbours a chance to voice any concerns or objections over large building proposals. It is a method of pre-approval and if you’re looking to build a conservatory, it is required when:

• You live in a detached house and your proposed conservatory is between 4 and 8 metres

• For all other houses, the proposed conservatory is between 3 and 6 metres

Neighbour Consultation Scheme

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR CONSERVATORIES


When buying a conservatory, it’s important to look at whether or not the company offers a guarantee on all parts of the conservatory and the installation itself. If they’re not prepared to offer one that covers both aspects for at least 10 years, it pays to steer clear of them.

Product Guarantees

A company’s reputation is available in a variety of formats; word of mouth and online reviews being two of the more common examples. If a friend or family member has had work performed by a specific company, their own experiences of them can be invaluable. Two good online review sites that you can use to research companies are Checkatrade.com & Which? Trusted Trader. In order for an installer to be a member on either platform, they have to pass a thorough vetting process, indicating that the quality of their services has been verified externally.

When looking at online reviews, look for how a company responds to negative reviews. If they go out of their way to rectify any issues their customers have had with them, this is a good indication of a reliable installer. Also be careful not to go off the back of an average rating, especially if the rating is based on a small number of reviews. For example, a company with an average rating of 4/5 from 200 reviews has a more proven track record than someone with an average of 5/5 from 8 reviews.

Judging the reputation of a conservatory installation company

Who the company is accredited by gives a good indication of the quality of the installer. For instance, accreditation by schemes like Which? Trusted Trader are only granted to companies that have proven their outstanding credentials in a number of aspects, including credit checks, customer experiences and installation quality. Look out for members of the Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme too because in the event of dispute, you’ll have access to an impartial ombudsman service absolutely free!

Accreditations

Perhaps you’ve found your perfect conservatory but two different companies are offering to fit it. So, how do you decide which installer is going to do a better job? Whilst price does have an influence from time to time, if they offer to do the job cheaply without good reason, like a promotion of some kind, you should question the quality of the installer.

Finding a good installer is important for maximising the quality and lifespan of your conservatory. Fortunately, there are various ways that can help you determine which installer is likely to do the best job.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONSERVATORY INSTALLER


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Once you’ve decided which conservatory option is right you, your next task is paying for it. Several companies, including us, offer a range of finance options. Common examples of these include:

Opting for finance instead of paying outright is better suited to those who’d rather spread payments out over a longer duration of time. However, if your credit history isn’t very good, finance may not be available to you.

PAYING FOR A NEW CONSERVATORY



BUYERS GUIDE FOR CONSERVATORIES

FINAL CONSIDERATIONSAs well as providing you with additional living space to use however you please, a conservatory will almost certainly add value to your property. In short, they’re an excellent investment, although finding your perfect conservatory is not always so straightforward. We hope that with this guide, however, you’ve been able to find exactly what you’re looking for. But if you haven’t and you’d like to discuss your requirements further, please feel free to call us on 0800 622 716 or contact us online and we’ll be more than happy to talk things through with you.


BUYERS GUIDE FOR CONSERVATORIES · 2019-10-08 · T: 0800 622 716 | E: [email protected] WINDOWS •...

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Transcript of BUYERS GUIDE FOR CONSERVATORIES · 2019-10-08 · T: 0800 622 716 | E: [email protected] WINDOWS •...