Conservatories are useful additions to any home, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
Before you begin building a conservatory though, here are a few things you may wish to consider:
Its purpose
The first thing you need to ask yourself is 'What will I use my conservatory for?' Conservatories can be expensive, so there's no point investing in one if you're not going to use it very often.
While you might simply want to use your conservatory as a relaxation room, you may prefer to use it as something more practical, such as an office, dining area or television room.
If you're going to use it as one of the latter, it's important to consider factors such as security. Don't forget that conservatories are made from glass, meaning any burglars will be able to easily look inside and see your personal belongings.
Expensive equipment, such as televisions or laptops, that you have inside your conservatory should be hidden when not in use. A simple solution to this is by fitting blinds or window shutters inside your conservatory and ensuring they are closed before you leave the house.
Planning permission
While most conservatory builds don't require planning permission, it's best to check whether you do in advance, just in case.
For instance, you're likely to require planning permission if your conservatory will cover more than half the area of land around your house, or if the conservatory roof will be higher than the highest point of your property. What's more, you must obtain planning permission before building on areas such as a veranda, raised platform or balcony.
Positioning
You might not have considered it, but the positioning of your conservatory is another factor that's worth thinking about.
If your conservatory is positioned in a north-facing direction, for example, there's a tendency for it to get really cold in the winter. If you'll be regularly using your conservatory during this season, you'll need to consider installing heating.
You may position your conservatory in a south-facing direction, on the other hand, which means it's more likely to get hot from the midday sun. This is where blinds and air conditioning systems are good options.
Material
The material of your conservatory is another aspect to ponder over. If you're on a budget, PVC is a good choice, but if you have enough cash saved to splash out a little, hardwood may be preferred.
However, this all depends on the type of property you're building on. PVC, for example, would not work well on a period property, so carry out some thorough research before you decide.
What's more, a glass roof isn't the only option available, so you must think about the best one to suit you and your home.
Solar-controlled glass may be something you'd like to consider, as it brings a range of benefits, including helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
© Axonn 2015