Choosing Your Conservatory
There’s no disguising the fact that choosing a conservatory
is a major decision. Get it right and you’ll enjoy many years
of enjoyment from what could be the perfect addition to your home
and your lifestyle.
So how do you ensure you make the right decision?
Simple. You can start by reading 10 tips compiled by Alan Hill Windows.
1. Think about the intended use.
How do you envisage using your new conservatory? Will be it a playroom,
a dining area, an office, a second living room or an all year round,
all weather extension to the garden? Its purpose doesn’t have
to fit exclusively into one of these categories, but your conservatory’s
ultimate day-to-day use will determine how large it needs to be
as well which style, layout and materials will work best.
2. Shop around.
Get a minimum of three quotes from three different companies for
your new conservatory. Alternatively see if your friends, family,
neighbours or colleagues can recommend any companies they know to
be professional and competent.
3. Don’t automatically
go for the cheapest choice.
With conservatories, you tend to get what you pay for. As such,
don’t automatically go for the ‘cheapest’ company
unless its products and services also happen to be better than the
competition. Another important factor to consider when appointing
your installer should be their ability to meet your timescales.
The last thing you want is an installation that will drag on and
on, leaving your home looking like a building site for weeks or
even months.
4. Choose your materials
wisely.
The materials that make up your conservatory will have an enormous
effect on its lifespan, practicality and usage. Frames tend to be
PVCu for lasting performance and glazing can now be polycarbonate,
clear glass or performance glass. Choose materials that are easy
to clean and maintain – you’ll be thankful for this
in the long-term.
Bases are typically built in stone or brick; ensure your builder
can match to your existing brickwork.
5. Think about the position.
Bear in mind the aspect – or position – of your conservatory.
Conservatories that face south receive more sun than those facing
north and as such the need for adequate ventilation and blinds is
of the utmost importance. To help you regulate the temperature in
a south facing conservatory, you might also want to think about
using Celsius performance glass in the roof.
6. Bigger isn’t
always better.
Once you’ve decided on the design and size of your new conservatory,
get a second opinion from a friend or family member. Make sure your
choice complements your home and doesn’t take up your entire
garden. In short, treat it as a fluid extension to your home rather
than just an add-on.
7. Consider your glazing
options.
Carefully think about the type of glazing you’d like to use
in your conservatory. Normal glass and polycarbonate will allow
solar heat to penetrate into your conservatory, potentially making
the inside temperature hot summer days. To avoid this ‘greenhouse’
effect, whilst reducing heat loss in winter, opt for a performance
glass such as Celsius.
8. Ventilation.
To help prevent the build of condensation in your conservatory,
you need to ensure it has adequate ventilation. Roof vents will
let in fresh air whilst keeping the elements and insects out. As
an alternative, you could also consider roof fans or an air conditioning
unit if your budget will stretch to it.
9. Check with your local
authority.
If you’re building a conservatory in England or Wales, you
will not usually need planning permission (unless your property
is listed, in a conservation area or it has already been extended).
However it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re
in any doubt, check as early as you can with your local authority
or your chosen installer about this and any relevant building regulations.
10. Call on the professionals.
Finally, always get your conservatory professionally designed and
installed. Also be sure to use vetted installers who offer an insurance
backed guarantee. With such a major and prized investment, it’s
simply not worth taking the risk
For further information on Alan Hill conservatories or any of the
Alan Hill product range or services please contact us
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