Choosing and designing a new conservatory

A conservatory can be a stylish and valuable addition to your home – and whatever design or layout you choose it can be cheaper than you think!

A conservatory will add
space and style to your home

If you are looking to make use of that little extra garden space that is going to waste, a conservatory is just the thing to neatly expand the family home. Not only do these luxurious extensions add a bit of value to most properties, but they also make for the perfect relaxation spot where you can soak up the sunshine and sounds of nature all from within the comfort of your own home. As long as you look around for the service that best suits you, a conservatory can be erected with minimum fuss and disruption to your family’s daily routine and doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Before you start planning the type of conservatory you would prefer, think about what the extra space will be primarily used for. Are you simply looking for an extra living area for all the family, or are those long hours at work leaving you in need of a quiet, cosy retreat for the evenings? Conservatories also make great playrooms if the kids are getting under your feet; and if you are more of a green-fingered enthusiast, it might be the ideal place to get stuck into your indoor gardening activities. Once you have figured out the function of your new conservatory there are plenty of other things to start thinking about:

• Planning permission for conservatories - one of the most important issues you should research before you make any decisions about a new conservatory is planning permission. Although some are fortunate enough to start building and designing straight away, planning permission will be required for many reasons, including if: the conservatory will be built next to a road, you live in a listed building or within the boundaries of a National Park, the extension will take up more than 50% of the total garden space, is within five metres of any other garden structure, or if the roof height exceeds that of the main property. Even if you believe none of these situations apply to you, it is strongly recommended that you consult your local planning authority before you begin.
• Conservatory style - the style of conservatory you choose should complement the size and shape of both your house and garden. The traditional Victorian conservatory (often accompanied with bay windows) offers an elegant and classical look, although the circular floor plan will make furnishing more difficult compared to the rectangular Edwardian style. For these conservatories lantern-roofs are great additions for grander, older homes and suggest a more open, spacious feel. On the other hand, an L-shaped extension is suitable if you want your conservatory to embrace the main building rather than stick out. If these options are slightly over-budget, however, or you’re looking for a modest alternative that doesn’t completely consume the remaining garden area, a lean-to sloping roof conservatory is a simple yet effective choice.

Check whether you need planning
permission before installing a
conservatory

• Conservatory location - the location is also important; most conservatories are situated at the rear end of the building, but if you have enough space why not consider an extension that curves around the side of the house? Although the unusual shape might make it an awkward room to design, they usually blend smoothly into the overall structure of the home. Think too about the position of your garden and how it will affect your final decisions; a south-facing garden means you will probably need some form of blinds or extra air-ventilation to cope with the intense heat and sunshine; while an east-facing one might make for the ideal breakfast parlour.
• Conservatory materials - although traditional nineteenth Century conservatories were built from metal and timber, the primary material used today is uPVC, which is a more energy efficient and cost-effective choice, plus it's the most widely available.
• Energy saving conservatories - if you are also interested in other energy-saving ideas there are a number of choices to consider. An additional internal door between the main house and the conservatory might leave the extension feeling too detached compared to an open-plan but will trap that much-needed heat in the winter months. Double glazing is also an obvious choice, but if you’re looking for something more sophisticated Celsius Performance Glass typically retains 50% more heat than the standard options.

• Decorating your conservatory - finally, think about furnishing and decorating ideas that will make your conservatory feel like an extra part of the home rather than a mere attachment. Electrical outputs for lights or blinds will help achieve this effect, but make sure you check safety regulations first. The style of flooring, the room’s colour-palette and other extras such as indoor plants, hanging baskets or stained glass will all have an impact on the final atmosphere.

Choose furniture and ornaments to
personalise your conservatory

Conservatory cost

Although there are DIY conservatory kits available they usually result in a shoddy and ineffective final outcome; for the perfect conservatory it’s always better to hire a professional. Look around for the best quotes, but don’t immediately opt for the cheapest contractor you find; instead analyse their service history and portfolio work and make sure they understand your ideas and requirements – a good rapport is always helpful. The final cost should fall somewhere between £10,000 - £20,000, but this is always negotiable depending on your demands. As long as each consideration is carefully thought out step-by-step, your finished conservatory should prove to be a worthwhile investment for you and your family!