What to consider when you’re considering a conservatory

If you’re thinking about adding a conservatory to your home, you’re no doubt excited about the various benefits you can look forward to. These include additional natural light, enhanced property value, and, most importantly, versatile living space you can use for a variety of purposes.

What’s more, a conservatory is more cost-effective than you may have realised and doesn’t usually require planning permission or building regs compliance. Equally, installation will be quicker and more hassle-free than you may have thought.

That’s not to say a conservatory isn’t a significant investment. Here are some of the things worth thinking about before you commit:

What style to go for?

Are you after something contemporary, with clean lines and a no-nonsense frame? Rectangular or square? Or how about a period design such as Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian? Then there are P-shaped, gable front and lean-to models. Think about which would best suit your property and available space.

What about the roof?

Again, there is choice, from a lantern-style roof to one that’s lean-to or flat.

Location, location, location

Where can you place your conservatory to get most sunlight? Where will you enjoy the best view over your garden so that your space is as relaxing as possible?

Planning permission

It’s true that, more often than not, you won’t need to seek planning permission unless you live in a conservation area. But that isn’t invariably the case, so you should double check, and ask your installer about this. Remember, your local planning authority has the power to remove any structure that’s been built illegally.

Low or high-maintenance?

Most modern conservatories need little in the way of upkeep to stay looking their best.

But some, such as wooden conservatories, offering a classic appearance, may need more looking after.

Does the design suit your home?

Your new conservatory is far less likely to enhance your home’s value if it simply doesn’t match the property to which it is attached. Try an online design tool to get an idea of what the finished product will look like.

Equally, think about how you will connect it to the main house – do you want bifold doors for a seamless blending, or French doors giving you a completely separate room?

Finally, as so often, cheapest isn’t always best. Choose a company that provides excellent service and a long-lasting, high-quality, great-value product.