D-I-Y Conservatories

D-I-Y is becoming a large part of the window, door and conservatory industry. With recent advances in design and technology installation has never been easier. All of the products and options that are detailed in the above sections are available for D-I-Y installation.

The most common way of constructing a D-I-Y conservatory is to have a friend or relative construct the base and walls and install the frames and roof yourself. Advances in product design are making this easier but a range of D-I-Y skills are still required, such as general assembly and fixing, joinery, glazing and lead flashing.

Obviously the main advantage from a D-I-Y installation is saving money and you can save a significant amount. (See price examples in the main menu for details) Alternatively you can get a more accurate quote tailored to your requirements by using our e-mail quotation service.

For D-I-Y quotations price is generally the driving factor in making a decision, but we would urge you to look closely at the product and specification before making a decision. You can view these details in the conservatory section of our website. It is also a good idea to look at the different glazing and ventilation options available to you, which are also listed in our conservatory products section.

Lifestyle top tips for D-I-Y:

• Don’t automatically go for the cheapest
• Look at the specification in detail
• Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation
• What guarantee is on offer
• What surveying service is available (Most important)

In our DIY range of conservatories we have two ranges of conservatories designed to meet the customers design and cosmetic requirements and the logistics of delivering a complex and bespoke product direct to site.

We supply a fully bespoke range with the products detailed in the above sections, however due logistics problems we can only supply this in our local area. As such we have introduced a range of modular and bespoke conservatories which can be delivered to site any where in the mainland UK and these ranges have been designed specifically for the DIY customer.

What is a modular conservatory?

Modular conservatories are a range of set designs and sizes which can be efficiently delivered to your door complete with detailed base plans and a comprehensive guarantee. They have been specifically designed for the DIY customer who knows exactly what he or she wants. You can view the product, size and specification of these designs in our modular section.

Surveying and Base Plans:

A big part of a successful conservatory build is how well the site has been surveyed, there are often several technical details that are overlooked which if are avoided make for a better conservatory. Our conservatory surveyors will visit site and identify and technical difficulties with the design and construction, you are also supplied with detailed base plans for your builder to work to.

A sales representative can also give advice on all aspects of design and construction as part of our free design and quotation service.

Conservatories | Hardwood | PVCU | UPVC | DIY Conservatory Quote
Lifestyle Windows, Doors and Conservatories offer an extensive range of conservatories for installation as well as DIY conservatory construction, UPVC/PVCU windows, doors and fascias. Online quotes available

Choosing Your Conservatory - 10 tips for success

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 for your conservatory? Simple. You can start by reading these 10 tips compiled from the advice of interior designers, architects and gardening experts for your new conservatory.

1.	Think about the intended use for your conservatory.
	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? The conservatory 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.	Conservatory Design and Quotation
	Make sure that you receive detailed conservatory designs and quotations listing all the Conservatory specification; don’t be afraid to ask for the conservatory quotation breaking down so you can see how the price has been put together.
3.	Don’t automatically go for the cheapest Conservatory choice
	With conservatories, you tend to get what you pay for. As such, don’t automatically go for the ‘cheapest’ conservatory company unless its products and services also happen to be better than the conservatory competition. Another important factor to consider when appointing your conservatory installer should be their ability to meet your timescales. The last thing you want is an conservatory 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 conservatory materials that make up your conservatory will have an enormous effect on its lifespan, practicality and usage. Conservatory 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 conservatory 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 uppermost 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.	Size matters for your conservatory.
	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 has enough internal floor space to meets your requirements. In short, treat it as a fluid extension to your home rather than just an add-on.
7.	Consider your conservatory glazing options
	Carefully think about the type of conservatory glazing you’d like to use in your conservatory. 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 for your Nottingham and derby conservatory.
8.	Conservatory Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation
	To help prevent the build of condensation in your conservatory, you need to ensure it has adequate conservatory ventilation. The K2 conservatory roof vent lets fresh air in 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, 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 conservatory 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!

Conservatories | Hardwood | PVCU | UPVC | DIY Conservatory Quote
Lifestyle Windows, Doors and Conservatories offer an extensive range of conservatories for installation as well as DIY conservatory construction, UPVC/PVCU windows, doors and fascias. Online quotes available

Deceuninck Conservatories from Lifestyle Windows in Nottingham and Derby

All PVCU window and door systems look the same, don’t they? Deceuninck have a unique system available for conservatories which combines the quality of a modern Deceuninck extrusion and the looks of a traditional timber frame. We also have Deceuninck’s full range of chamfered profiles for a simpler frame finish for conservatories.

The right choice

Replacing windows and doors or the addition of a conservatory remains one of the most popular choices of adding style and value to your home. Choosing our latest decorative designs for conservatories will enable you to complement the style and look of your home by reproducing the appearance of traditional timber, without the maintenance headaches for conservatories. Your new frames are guaranteed not to warp, twist, rot or discolour, making your decision a sound investment. In addition to brilliant white you can choose from a range of wood-grain finishes for your conservatory. Alternatively, add a splash of colour to your home with one of our unique Decoroc surface coatings. All of these together mean almost endless design options available, making it possible to tailor our products to meet your exact requirements.

Quality with elegance

Choosing our decorative and chamfered frames with their unique sculptured styling ensures your choice of windows will bring elegance to any home conservatory. This beauty will not mean compromising performance, so you can be confident of supreme quality and security to match its good looks.

Durability with beauty

Viewed from inside or out, Deceuninck windows will transform the look of your rooms as well as your home as a whole. Illuminating interiors with natural light, providing comfort from the elements and affording security with peace of mind, are the essential criteria for all our window products for conservatories. These are the standards by which our reputation has been established; good looks great performance and long lasting peace of mind.

The Deceuninck 1800 series Decorative Window and Door System

Critics of PVCU have claimed, often rightly, that the character of a property is reduced by the use of modern PVCU system for conservatories. The introduction of this new decorative system facilitates the production of both more sensitive replacements and more stylish new installations for conservatories. Deceuninck have also been know for the unique colour of there systems for conservatories. The Deceuninck brilliant is know throughout the industry for the brightness of the white and standard of the finish on the conservatory frame. We do have Deceuninck standard chamfered systems available but the unique decorative lines of the 1800 system have proven extremely popular with our customers in recent years. Combined with our low sight line glazing gasket we challenge you to find a more attractive system.

Deceuninck quality for conservatories

We speak from experience; in 2001 we installed a new conservatory in Ilkeston, in the Nottingham and Debry area. The property already had a substantial conservatory but the owners wanted a change in colour and style. The existing conservatory was constructed using Deceuninck’s 1200 series system 14 years earlier. When the conservatory was dismantled it was in such good condition it was sold to one of our existing customers who re-fitted the conservatory on his property; which was also in the Nottingham and Derby area.

Conservatories | Hardwood | PVCU | UPVC | DIY Conservatory Quote
Lifestyle Windows, Doors and Conservatories offer an extensive range of conservatories for installation as well as DIY conservatory construction, UPVC/PVCU windows, doors and fascias. Online quotes available