Photo by WITHIN HOME

The better you plan, the better is the chance of success with the project. It is essential to go for an experienced and reputed builder so that the project gets completed without any hitches. It is essential to make sure that the final product is beautiful and will serve you for years to come.

Here are the top factors to consider when you are looking at conservatories in Stratford Upon Avon.

Consider the Purpose

Ask yourself the question about the necessity of the conservatory at your property? If it is something that will increase the value of your property, then, by all means, go for it. Conservatories can act as extra space as well as when the family is growing, and you do not have the means to move into a new or bigger property. For people working from home, you can convert the conservatory into a working space. It can also be used for recreational activities as well as a living room.

Consider the Material

There are several choices when it comes to the construction and the build material of the conservatory. You have metal that includes aluminum and traditional elements like the hardwood or the UPVC. UPVC is highly cost-effective, but wood finishes are classy. Aluminum conservatories are contemporary designs and sleek. It is durable, as well. So brainstorm with your friends and family to select the right material for your conservatory.

You Might Require the Planning Permission

Depending on the state of your residence, you might need to apply for the planning permission for building a conservatory at your property. If you don’t need permission, then the job is pretty simple. However, if you need one, you need to apply to the local council before commencing with the construction. Keep in mind that permission is usually required if you are planning on a large conservatory, one that is half the proportion of your property.

Position it Right

You should never overlook the positioning of the conservatory. Keep in mind that the planning for the conservatory always includes positioning. You might want your conservatory sunny and facing the south. But it will get very hot during the summer months. You need ventilation and, if need be, air conditioning. So to make sure everything goes perfect and looks neat and tidy at the end of the day, you need to position the conservatory right.

The Style Consideration

Lastly, you have to take into consideration the style and the build of the conservatory. There are several styles and designs to choose from. Yes, it is all about personal preference, but you should still do your research well about how every style looks and what can suit your property. There are Edwardian, Victorian, and Gable styling to choose from.

Plan well and make sure you are working with an expert conservatory builder with tons of experience. All the best!

Photo: Within Home

Before you start shopping for conservatory furniture or planning your first soiree for your newly added garden room, you need to design and plan the space. This step by step process breaks it down to the smallest detail, a process that will give you a fantastic conservatory. But where do you start?

What is your Plan and Budget?

A conservatory can be what you want it to be – an extra living room, a dining room, a gym, home office and so on – with its use a determining factor in type, style and size.

It is important that you set a budget right from the start and are realistic about what you can achieve for the money you have. It is probably better to have a well-designed and built conservatory with underfloor heating, for example, than one that is bigger but poorly designed and finished.

Photo: Within Home

What is your Style?

There are variations of style when it comes to conservatories too. Most people choose a style that is in keeping with their home. If you have a modern, newly built property, for example, a modern conservatory would make more sense than one finished with Victorian detailing.

Which way will your Conservatory Face?

A south-facing conservatory sounds idyllic – all that sun! – but in the height of summer can be unbearable unless you fit air conditioning etc. A north-facing conservatory will need heating (as will most conservatories).

As well as sun, consider what you will be looking at from the open conservatory doors, as well as where the door should be too.

Photo: Forves Rix Design

Which Materials will you Choose?

As well as uPVC conservatory frames, you can also opt for aluminium, as well as half-built brick walls and so on. Alongside your choice of style, you will find your budget plays a big part in this decision. You will also have to consider if  you opt for framed windows or do you want a vast expanse of glass for uninterrupted views of the garden?

What about Planning Consents?

Most local authorities allow conservatories as a consented addition to a home providing they don’t take up more than 25% of the garden. Make sure you have the right permit for your remodelling project. It is always wise to check before building work starts and certainly in the case of old or listed properties.

Photo: Conservatory Craftsmen

What Roofing Style will you opt For?

A conservatory is a room that is mainly glass and this has traditionally included a glazed roof. But to increase energy efficiency, many people are opting for either part glazed/part tiled roof or all tiled roof, complete with insulation. That said, there are examples of energy efficient glass that make for a great roof on a conservatory.

How will the Conservatory Connect to the Rest of the Home?

Many homeowners take the opportunity to use the addition of a conservatory to build an extension to their home. Imagine adding a stylish conservatory and creating a magnificent open plan kitchen/diner. It can be done with the correct planning permissions in place, and a build that meets all current regulations.

Have you Considered Energy Efficiency?

Gone are the days when a conservatory would be a draughty, plastic box fitted to the back of a property. They must and need to energy efficient in order to be a useful addition to your home but to also meet current energy efficiency requirements.

From sleek modern to the sumptuousness of traditional design, Rattan Direct appreciate the importance of the right conservatory furniture. Connect with them on Twitter.

Photo: Home Bunch

You’re going to want to talk to contractors, local officials and perhaps even hire a residential land surveyor, even before the first shovel breaks ground. These are some of the vital aspects of the job you need to start with.

Know Your Permits and Approvals

You’ll need to know what you’re actually allowed to do before you get anywhere. Adding an addition to your house will definitely increase the value of your home, but it isn’t like sneaking a shed into your backyard without a permit. You’ll need proper permits and government approval for the survey for construction and the construction itself. Most contractors will expect to see such permits before you get started, so don’t plan on skirting the issue.

The French Tangerine

Unfortunately, you’ll have to get more planning done before you get to this point. The permits are vital and yet can’t be done first. Talk to the council office and see what paperwork they need, and then work on getting those plans together. A rough blueprint and specifics about where on the property this addition is going are the most common things they will need. You might also need to provide info about who is doing the work, and copies of your current home-owners insurance.

Consider the Costs

A project of this size can be difficult to estimate for the average homeowner that doesn’t have any real experience in major construction. Get at least 2 quotes from contractors so you have a fair idea what you’re getting into. And when you do ask for quotes, be detailed and specific in what you’re looking to have done. It’s not enough to get a quote to “add a room”, and not mention that it’s a bathroom that will require a lot of additional plumbing work, or that you meant a 2-story room with a stained glass skylight. Even if you don’t have every little thing decided at this stage, you need to have a good grasp of your overall needs in order to get a decent quote.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Get the Location Right

Another specific part of your pre-planning should be a thorough examination of your building location. Just because a certain spot works perfectly from an interior standpoint, doesn’t mean it is the best spot to start building based on what’s underground there.

Talk to your various utility companies or a Call Before You Dig service and find out if any existing cables, pipes or wires are going to be in the way of your plans. Just remember that there is more to look for than utility lines though. That’s where a professional surveyor can come in handy. Large rocks or unknown obstacles (like a long-forgotten septic tank or even a buried pile of old patio stones).

Of course, these are just a few starting points that you need consider at the outset of your construction project. There will be a lot more work ahead before you have that lovely new addition.