For those considering investing in a conservatory in the new year, whether it’s to add value to a property or to create extra space, homeowners can look to this step-by-step guide for choosing and planning a new conservatory from the home improvement experts at Stormclad.
With more than 20 years’ experience, Stormclad offers a range of home and garden products from windows and doors to carports and conservatories, as well as offering full installation.
Post-pandemic lifestyles have continued to change how we use and interact with our homes, and the drive to create more space within a property to introduce a home office, a gym, a sunroom or other type of space is growing in popularity as homeowners recognise the benefits of such an investment.
In a recent study it was reported that certain home improvements, including buying a new conservatory, can add significant value to a home – as much as £26,000 in fact, based on the average house price in the UK*.
John Evans, managing director at Stormclad, said: “It’s that time of year where we see many homeowners considering what type of improvements and upgrades they’d like to make to their property ready for spring and summer next year – and conservatories continue to be a popular choice for adding extra versatile space.
“Knowing where to start when it comes to purchasing a conservatory can feel a little daunting – from choosing which materials to weighing up the cost, so we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice for your home.”
Here is the step-by-step guide to planning a new conservatory:
Planning permission
Once you’ve decided that you’d like to buy a conservatory, the first and most important aspect to consider is planning permission.
In most cases, obtaining planning permission for a conservatory is not too much of a hassle as long as its location is not going to cause problems for your neighbours or obstruct any public pathways or roads. Have a look at your neighbourhood – if other properties in the area have conservatory, then it is highly likely that planning permission will be granted for your home.
Deciding on a budget and getting a quote
Once you have done your research into planning permission, the next best step is to decide on a reasonable and realistic budget.
With so many different conservatory designs on the market – in a range of materials and styles – prices can vary greatly. Typically, a conservatory can cost anywhere between a few thousand pounds to £30,000, depending on the style, materials and specification, so have a look at a few different options and decide what aspects of the conservatory are priorities for you.
With a budget in mind, you can then shop around for quotes. Some companies will offer you a free design consultation, so you can get a clearer idea of what the process involves and what the finished product will look like.
Something else to bear in mind, is how it will affect your home insurance. You should make the insurance company aware of the conservatory, prior to it being built, to ensure that the right cover is in place.
Choosing the right design
This step goes hand in hand with deciding on a budget. It’s important to think carefully about the size and style of conservatory that you would like.
From modern to traditional, some of the most popular type of conservatories at uPVC, lean-to, timber effect, Victorian, Edwardian and P-shaped, all varying in size depending on how much room you have.
If you’re pining for a traditional look, then a uPVC, Victorian, Edwardian or P-shaped conservatory might be for you. Featuring classic pitched rooves, bay fronts and ornate details, these sun traps will blend in effortlessly with most homes and work well in bringing the outdoors into your home.
Modern alternatives include lean-to conservatories, which combine the benefits of a home extension with the summery aesthetic of a classic conservatory space. With a low pitched or sloping roof, this style really does appear to ‘lean’ against the rest of your house and is often a lower-cost alternative to a traditional conservatory design.
Timing
The time taken to build a conservatory is subjective to the size, but it tends to take up to two months from start to finish.
Research the company you’re utilising to see what they offer in terms of a streamlined installation process and any aftercare services to resolve any snagging issues which may arise after the build is complete.
Choosing your supplier
It’s important to do your research before deciding to buy from a company – especially with a significant purchase like a conservatory.
Have a look at a company’s website to explore their offering and services, read their reviews and FAQs to get a good feel for what to expect.