ARTICLE

Building a conservatory

A conservatory is more than just a glorified greenhouse; we eat in them, we read in them, we put our prized plants in them and we just hang out in them. Choosing and building a conservatory that's right for you ought to simple but it's not. Here, we warn you about some of the pitfalls.

Building a conservatory

Planning matters
Firstly, decide what you want to use your conservatory for, what size you want it and whether it should be made from wood or PVC. Bear in mind the amount of garden space that will be lost and whether there are any drains running under the proposed site.

Under new planning laws introduced on 1st October 2008 conservatories do not require planning permission as long as they comply with a number of different conditions. For details, visit the Government's Planning Portal website and if you're in any doubt, check with your local council planning department.

A conservatory is exempt from building regulations as long as the following criteria are met:

  • It has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
  • The extension walls must be at least 75% wall glazing, therefore having no more than 25% of the wall area made up of brickwork.
  • It has a floor area not exceeding 30 square metres.
  • It is constructed at ground level.
  • The extension is permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a door.
  • The glazing is manufactured of toughened safety glass.
  • The extension does not contain any drainage facilities. (i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine).
  • The conservatory is not permanently heated.

    Way to go
    You can choose to source and build the conservatory yourself or you can employ a company to supply and fit it all. Alternatively, you could buy a conservatory yourself and project-manage a builder to do the rest. Conservatories can be purchased fairly cheaply at most DIY stores but there is often a great disparity in the amounts different builders will charge to put them up. Be careful when considering rival quotes; because a conservatory is not always subject to building regulations, some builders may cut corners and erect the structure on shallow footings. This could cause your conservatory to move and possibly crack over time.

    Don't pressure me!
    If you plump to have the whole thing done by a company, be prepared for the usual high-pressure sales techniques.

    Hot stuff
    Careful consideration should be given to whether the roof is made of clear or translucent glass. During summer, conservatories can become stifling because of heat radiated by the glass. Choosing a translucent covering or purchasing blinds can lessen this effect, although blinds can be expensive.

    Kick back
    Building a conservatory takes anything up to a month to complete and can be quite a drain on the wallet: ensure you have enough budget left over for some comfy furniture so you can enjoy your new living space.

    • Related sections: Planning & renovating , Conservatory & outdoors

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