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10 tips for success
There's no disguising the fact thet choosing a conservatory is a major decision. Get it right and you'll enjoy 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? Simple. You can start by reading these 10 tips complied from the advice of interior designers, architects and gardening experts:
1. Think about the intended use.
How do envisage using your new conservatory? Will it be a playroom, a dining area, an office, a second living room or an all year round, all weather extention to the garden? Its purpose doesn't have to fit exclusively into one of these catogories, but your conservatory's ultimate day-to-day use will determine how large it needs to be as well as which style, layout and materials will work best.
2. Shop around.
Get a minimum of three quotes from three different companies for your conservatory. Yellow pages,local papers, alternitvely see if family, friends, neighbours or colleagues can recommend any companies they know to be professional and competent.
3. 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 factor to consider when appionting 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.
4. Choose your materials wisely.
The materials that make up your conservatory will have an enormous effect on its life span, praticality and useage. 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 or brick; ensure your builder can match to yuor existing brickwork.
5. Think about the position.
Bear in mind aspect - or position - of your conservatory. Conservatories that face south recieve more sun than those faceing north and as such the need for adequate ventilation and blinds is of uppermost importance.To help you regulate the temperature in a south facing conservatory, you might also want to think about using Celsius performance glass in the roof.
6. Bigger isn't always better
Once you have decided on the design and size of your new conservatory, get a second opinion from a friend or family member. Make sure your choice compliments your home and doesn't take up to much of your garden. in short, treat it s a fluid extention to your home rather tan just an add-on.
7. Consider your glazing options.
Carefully think about the type of glazing yuo'd like to use in your conservatory. Normal glass and polycarbonate will allow solor heat to penatrate into your conservatory, potentially making the inside temperature hot summer days. To aviod this 'greenhouse' effect whilst reducing heat loss in winter, opt for performance glass such as Celsius
8. Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation.
To help prevent the build of condensation in your conservatory, you need to ensure it has adequate ventilation. K2 roof vent lets fresh air in whilst keeping the elements and insects out. As an alternative, you could also consider roof fansor an air conditioning uint if your budget will stretch to it.
9. Check with local authority.
If you are building a conservatory it is always better to be safe than sorry. It is adviseable to check if planning permmision is required if you're in any doubt, check as early as you can with your local authority or your chosen installer about this and relevent building regulations.
10. Call on the professionals.
Finally, always get your conservatory professionally designed and installed. Also be sure to use vetted installers who offer an insurance backed guarantee. with such major and prized investment, it's simply not worth the risk!
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