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!

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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