Diy Conservatory Shop Ltd - Tel : 01452226290 - Open 7 Days a Week From 9am to 7pm - Deliveries UK Wide

Choosing Your Diy Upvc Conservatory - 10 Tips to a Successful Self Build


There’s no disguising the fact that choosing a conservatory is a major decision. Get it right and you’ll have 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 about that conservatory purchase? Simple. You can start by reading these 10 tips compiled from the advice of interior designers, architects and gardening experts:

How do you envisage using your new diy upvc 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? Its 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.

Design and Quotation

Make sure that you receive a detailed conservatory design and quotation listing all the specifications; don’t be afraid to ask for a quotation breaking down so that you can see how the price has been put together. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest choice. With conservatories, you tend to get what you pay for. As such, don’t automatically go for the ‘cheapest’ company unless its products and services also happen to be better than the competition. Another important factor to consider when appointing your installer should be their ability to meet your timescales. The last thing you want is an installation that will drag on and on, leaving your home looking like a building site for weeks or even months.

Choose your materials wisely.

materials that make up your conservatory will have an enormous effect on its lifespan, practicality and usage. 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 steel or brick; ensure your builder can match to your existing brickwork.

Think about the position.

Bare 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 tinted glass is of uppermost importance. To help you regulate the temperature in a south facing conservatory, you might also want to think about using Activ sun protection tinted performance glass in the roof.

Size matters

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.

Consider your glazing options.

Carefully think about the type of glazing you’d like to use in your conservatory. Normal glass and polycarbonate will allow solar heat to penetrate into your conservatory, potentially making the inside temperature hot on summer days. To avoid this ‘greenhouse’ effect, whilst reducing heat loss in winter, opt for a performance glass such as Celsius 1 or a polycarbonate with a solar reflective insert.

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation.

To help prevent the build of condensation in your conservatory, you need to ensure it has adequate ventilation. A roof window 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.

Check with your local authority.

If you’re building a conservatory in England or Wales, you will not usually need planning permission if within permitted planning guidelines (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.

Call on the professionals.

Unless you are buying a diy system Finally, always get your conservatory professionally installed unless you are a diy enthusiast and fitting a diy designed system like K2. Also be sure to use recommended installers who can provide examples of their work you can view. With such a major and prized investment, it’s simply not worth taking the risk!