A conservatory is a very good way of building extra space for your home. They add some style to your garden and are seen as increasing the value of your home. Many people invest in them as a place to relax and unwind after a hard days work. The cost of a conservatory can be quite high so you need to plan ahead and decide which style and design is best for you. The following tips will help make this decision a bit more straightforward.
The first consideration is the measuring. You will have to carefully measure the amount of room you have available in your garden. Take a look at any potential obstacles that could encroach where you plan to put the conservatory. Things like drain pipes, heating vents on the outside of your house, window frames and paving stones. If you find these obstacles then ring round for a builder to come and quote you for either removing them, or for working around them. Also take into account the height and width, you don’t want to be blocking all your neighbours’ sunlight.
What style do you want? A rounded conservatory is good for viewing out of but there will be less space inside. A square design will offer more room inside but may obstruct certain elements of your garden. Argos has over 100 different styles to choose from, and is considered one of the best places to try. Lean-to designs are also very popular, as they fit onto your existing brickwork and are less hassle to build. Whichever style you go for, take the time to shop around because the prices do vary by quite a bit from one company to the next.
Consider which direction the conservatory is going to face. The position will affect how much direct sunlight falls on it. Conservatories facing north will get the least amount of sunlight, so may need to consider adding a radiator or additional heating inside. South facing will attract the most sunlight, so you may need to choose extra windows or doors to cool things down a bit. East facing will get early morning sunlight, and West facing gets the most sun in the evenings. Argos extra have a very good guide to choosing the best position for conservatories, and the additional factors you will need to think about.
Finally, think about the actual cost of both the conservatory and the labour. Ring around for at least 10 quotes before you purchase the actual parts. Make sure you check the reputation of the builder, as sometimes the cheapest is not the best option. You want the best job at the end of the day.
