General advice.
Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all mod cons if you're only prepared to pay for the cheapest design.
Try to meet the builders who will be doing the work ? it's crucial that you can get on with them.
Check whether you'll need planning permission ? don't rely on the conservatory supplier to take care of that for you.
Be friendly and cooperative towards the constructors ? you'll have more chance of getting the job done well.
If possible, view some installations done by your proposed supplier. Talk to their customers about how the builders went about their work, whether there were any major delays etc.
Always have a small contingency as there may be unexpected and unpleasant surprises once the construction starts, for which money will need to be available.
Buy the best conservatory you can afford. Gather as much information as possible on glazing options and construction materials so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Let your neighbours know about your plans so that they won't be offended by your conservatory ? either through jealousy or loss of light in their garden.
Inform your insurance company, as you will need to review your cover.
Design and decision tips
Use pegs and string to mark out the area of your proposed conservatory and then, ideally, fill it with the planned furnishings ? a dining table, a sofa and plants ? to check whether you have as much space as you would like. If moving the furniture is impractical, use sand or chalk to mark out the spaces they will take up.
Always calculate your internal floor size when ordering a conservatory and remember than most conservatory companies quote for the external area. Get at least three quotations but don't automatically choose the lowest. The cheapest supplier will rarely give you the best product or service.
Depending on the shape of the conservatory, it is generally inadvisable to put doors in the front of the conservatory, as it creates a corridor that makes fitting in furniture difficult.
Build your conservatory onto a well-used room, like your kitchen or living room.
Don't compromise on the size of your conservatory.
Choose a shape and style that will enhance the look of your home.
Try to match the construction materials and colour with those used for your home.
Take interesting details like bargeboards and unusually-shaped windows into the design of your conservatory.
Have a plan drawn up by an architect if you are looking for a specific and unusual design. This helps in discussions with the supplier and will also enable you to compare estimates on a like-for-like basis, which is important.
The more money you spend on efficient insulation and roofing and glazing systems, the less you'll end up spending on heating and cooling systems for your conservatory.
Remember to budget for extras such as blinds, furniture and heating.
Construction Tips
Attach 20mm PVCu trunking to the head of the PVCu frame between the roof and window sections. This gives the appearance of it being part of the window frame and provides great flexibility in adding extra lights, speaker wires, alarm detectors, etc.
Always lay your insulated central heating pipes in a gap created in the concrete flooring, never bury them in the concrete (should there be a leak it would be a disaster!).
DIY tips
Do your homework. Research which conservatory you want by having a look around on the Internet and at your local conservatory suppliers. Make lists of all the materials you will need plus their costs ? this will help you set your budget.
Be aware that manufacturers often quote 'inside cill' sizes. This is roughly equivalent to inside of the outside skin of bricks in a cavity wall, which is neither the indoor floor size, nor the outside wall size.
Buy where the trade buys. (Look for trade suppliers of screws, bolts, silicones etc)
Make the conservatory floor height the same as the floors in your home.
At the planning stage, add sufficient funding for extras such as skip hire, drainage pipes and paving.
Beware of building your dwarf wall too high ? you won't be able to enjoy the view of the garden!
Make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Get help from friends who have experience in skills like concreting or plumbing. And don't be afraid to hire professional help when you really need it.
Don't skimp on the finishes you won't see, like cavity insulation and foundation. It will catch up with you in the long run.
Buy from a conservatory specialist rather than a DIY store. The former can give you invaluable advice on glazing and roofing options and you might need his help when things don't go to plan.
Maintenance tips
Use a silicone lubricant on squeaky hinges.
Using washing up liquid to clean the windows will degrade the sealant so DON'T DO IT!
Don't use abrasive cleaners on woodgrain PVCu conservatories.
Aluminium polish bought at motor shops can be used as a cleaner for silver aluminium conservatories.
Finally
Make sure there is someone to take care of the plants in your conservatory when you are on holiday! More than anywhere else in your home, plants in the conservatory need plenty of water.
Be careful when burning candles during the day. The heat can cause them to melt or bend so don't leave them unattended.
Barry Dunlop is the Founder of ConservatoriesOnline.com - The online place for people interested in conservatories, sunrooms, garden rooms, and orangeries. Find more tips and advice at his website: http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More
Kitchen cabinets reflect the heart and soul of the homeowner.... Read More
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a... Read More
A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm... Read More
Been shopping for antique clocks lately?It's strange that when something... Read More
The style of your interior depends for a great part... Read More
Are you looking for something different for your house? Maybe... Read More
Small is beautiful and convenient and so is the portable... Read More
The installation of a new bathroom vanity and countertop can... Read More
Its spring time and that means we start working on... Read More
Directions for HAND Stripping.Work with plenty of ventilation, safety goggles... Read More
It doesn't matter if you live in a hot climate... Read More
If you have a two story house, and you are... Read More
Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care... Read More
Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained... Read More
This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More
Selection of bedstead is also an important thing as selection... Read More
Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More
Whether you live in your cabin year round or it's... Read More
The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal shaped map... Read More
A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More
A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even... Read More
Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More
Many of us know that fluorescent lighting is common in... Read More
Mailboxes crafted from copper give you traditional elegance and extraordinary... Read More
One of the first things you learn as a homeowner... Read More
Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to... Read More
The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More
They're affordable and come in a wide variety of styles... Read More
Last week I told you how to measure your wood... Read More
A home is a place where we live, spend most... Read More
A sauna has been used throughout history in every part... Read More
The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe.... Read More
What would you like in the backyard that is great... Read More
When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one... Read More
These days shower doors come in a wide variety of... Read More
Maybe getting the silent treatment at home isn't a bad... Read More
When you buy art, you may think you not consciously... Read More
Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel... Read More
Bathroom vanity cabinets are an essential component of any bathroom... Read More
BE PREPARED -- Building a house is lots of fun,... Read More
According to the National Candle Association (NCA), most US-manufactured candle... Read More
Many of us know that solar energy is a good... Read More
One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More
Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a... Read More
Last week I told you how to remove your old... Read More
You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More
Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look... Read More
There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to... Read More
Selecting a Persian rug can be a daunting task for... Read More
It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture... Read More
If you are concerned about asbestos exposure you are not... Read More
This is the year you're going all out. You're going... Read More
Wholesale vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for people who... Read More
Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More
What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever,... Read More
If the sliding glass doors in your home are more... Read More
There are a few things you can do to take... Read More
So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More
Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from... Read More
Microwave convection ovens have both microwave and convection facilities. Microwave... Read More
Small is beautiful and convenient and so is the portable... Read More
Understanding a few essential color concepts will help you design... Read More
Baking soda is a great household cleaner. Here are ten... Read More
Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for... Read More
Home Improvement |