Choosing the right conservatory for your home

It's a well-known fact that adding a conservatory to your home can dramatically increase its value. However, when it comes to selecting just the right add-on, the whole process can feel a bit daunting. Follow these simple steps to get the conservatory that you've been dreaming of.

Think about how you'll use your conservatory

In order to narrow down the options and installers, think about how you plan to use your conservatory. Are you looking for an occasional sunroom or additional year-round living space? Do you want a large room for entertaining, or a small, quiet room for working, relaxing or pursuing a hobby?

Get inspiration from the internet, from conservatories attached to homes like yours, from friends and neighbours, or from home design magazines. You can also send off for brochures from several different manufacturers to get a sense of what's available.

If you prefer a more bespoke option, you may want to consult with an architect to discuss your project.

Decide on materials

Today's conservatories are mainly built from one of three different materials:

1.       PVCu: This is the most popular – and most affordable – building option for conservatories. PVCu is a good-quality, highly insulate material that's relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. You can choose from white or faux wood grain colours to customise the look. PVCu is typically recommended for newer homes as it doesn't go well with the traditional style of older or historic homes, listed buildings or those located in conservation areas.

2.       Hardwood: Older buildings benefit from the traditional look and flexible style of hardwood conservatories. If budget allows, hardwood is a great option for bespoke conservatories. You'll have to spend some time on maintenance to keep a hardwood conservatory looking its best, but painted finishes or stains make the process a bit easier.

3.       Aluminium: Similar to PVCu, aluminium is stronger but also pricier and doesn't insulate as well. If you need a strong frame that will stand up to the elements, aluminium is the best choice. Some builders also offer an aluminium roof on a PVCu structure, with conservatory ceiling insulation added to improve temperature regulation and energy efficiency.

Questions to ask your conservatory builder or manufacturer

When you're ready to build, bring a list of questions to the conservatory showroom to help make sure that you understand what to expect from the process, from start to finish:

1.       How much will the temperature inside the conservatory vary from season to season?

2.       What options do they offer for temperature regulation? Do they recommend that you insulate conservatory roof areas?

3.       What can you expect from the construction process? Do they employ a project manager to guide you through?

4.       Do they have proper certification and reliable suppliers?

5.       Can you see examples of other conservatories that they've built or speak with previous customers?

The more time you spend planning your new conservatory, the better equipped you'll be to enjoy it fully.