A conservatory is a significant investment, and if you make the right choice, you will add to the comfort, style and value of your home. When planning your glazed home extension, it can be tempting to opt for a pre-fabricated or off-the-peg model rather than a bespoke conservatory. A prefab model will generally be cheaper and quicker to install.
However, an investment in a custom-designed conservatory will pay off in the long run, as it will be much more durable, enjoyable to use, and aesthetically pleasing. This will save you money further down the road in maintenance, repairs and replacements.
A low quality glazed extension could even reduce the value of your house, because it will have limited use, look unattractive, and potential buyers may factor in the cost of removing or replacing it in their offer. On the other hand, a custom designed conservatory is a sought after feature and could increase the market value of your home.
What are the drawbacks of an off-the-peg conservatory?
A prefabricated or cheaper model of conservatory is made to fixed dimensions with limited design options. Typically, they will have uPVC or aluminium frames rather than natural wood, and they may sit awkwardly with the dimensions or architectural style of your house.
The insulation and glazing may be of low quality, which means that the conservatory will be difficult to heat and keep warm in winter, and will be prone to getting too hot in summer. It will also be more prone to developing faults, such as leaks, draughts, mould, and gaps in the glazing and framework joints.
There may also be other issues such as badly installed doors that don’t open or close properly; condensation; and cracks in the roof. This will lead to higher maintenance costs and a reduced lifespan for the structure.
What are the advantages of a bespoke conservatory?
A bespoke conservatory is custom-designed to meet your requirements and the style and size of your home. You will have more choice of the materials and finishes, such as high quality oak frames and energy efficient glazing.
This means that the conservatory can be tailored to complement the architectural style of your home, with personal choices such as decorative detailing or a lantern roof. The overall result will be much more aesthetically pleasing, because it will be designed to harmonise with your house, rather than look like a poorly-planned afterthought.
The quality of the craftsmanship and materials will also be much higher if you opt for a bespoke design. A respected independent supplier will care about every detail of the project, because they want you to be 100 per cent happy, and the outcome will reflect on their business and reputation.
If you choose a large company with multiple outlets across the country, they will feel much less accountable for the standard of their work and the quality of the materials used. They aim to keep costs down to attract more customers, but usually this economy is achieved by taking shortcuts and using cheap materials that may not last beyond the warranty period.
A bespoke conservatory will have premium materials that will provide much better insulation and weather resistance, and an overall stronger structural integrity. This will mean the structure will need less maintenance and repairs, and will have a much longer lifespan. It will also be more thermally efficient and easier to heat in winter and keep cool in summer.
So, there you have it: generally, you will get what you pay for when it comes to conservatories. A cheaper model may be tempting if you are in a hurry and on a limited budget, but it’s strongly advised to think twice before going down this route. It often turns out to be a false economy, and you may live to regret the decision.