CONSERVATORIES

It is said that conservatories evolved since the seventeenth century when the Dutch farmer started using conservatories just to enable him to grow his plants during the winter season. At that time the motive to use conservatories was basically to maintain the green house effect for the plants. Now conservatories have evolved into very popular addition to modern home and conservatories are used in many forms throughout year.

There are now many styles and forms of conservatories that have evolved from different periods of history. The main ones are Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian Conservatories. There is also the lean-to conservatory, although this style is more likely to be used as an attached greenhouse or garden room, than a fully functional living space.

Conservatory design considerations include:-

Construction - Aluminium, PVCu (often called plastic or PVC) or timber (hardwood). Each one of these have their relative advantages with PVCu offering the cheapest option, aluminium offering strength and durability, whilst timber (hardwood) conservatories give a more natural and traditional look but require more maintenance. Glass or non glass roof depending on accepted rain noise level and views through roof

Location - In full sun could be too hot. In full shade could be too cold. A downward view could beg for low retaining wall. With an uphill view could beg for a higher roof line (so roof line does not interfere too much with the view)

Architectural sympathy with your property / surroundings - How best to design the conservatory to blend in with the surroundings

Building regulations - How to meet these requirements

Maintenance issues - What after care attention are you prepared to give your conservatory

Your space requirements - Often one regrets not installing a bigger conservatory!

Climate control and use of conservatory - Is the conservatory to be used throughout the year. Will you be growing plants in it? Will you be looking at a computer screen in it?

Designs in the glass - Beautiful designs in stained glass overlay is a modern combination of lead and colour which gives your conservatory the look of stained glass so favoured by the Victorians. Sand-blasting gives a delicate frosted appearance. Bevelled glass demonstrates the stunning technique of cut class. These are all available and to be considered as options

Interior finish - will the white glare of a white conservatory interior in full sunlight bother you?

Security - What security issues are there to be considered? ... both in structure and with suitable access prevention devices such a security locks.

Guarantees - What guarantees do you get?

Quality of windows and doors - Check these out as there is nothing worse a lovely conservatory ruined by poor quailty windows / doorsl

Quality of installation team - How is the conservatory site surround left after building new conservatory? What provision is there for managing the rain water off the conservatory?