A conservatory or orangery can make a wonderful addition to your home. As well as providing light-filled extra space for you and your family to enjoy, it is likely to add to the value of your house, should you wish to sell it in the future. Here are some points to bear in mind during the planning stages, to make sure you have the best results from your project.
Choose the right materials
What style you go for will depend on your budget, and what type of property you have. Wooden conservatories will complement a period home, for example. More modern buildings may suit an aluminium or uPVC frame better. Spend some time researching different materials, until you are sure the addition will be sympathetic to its surroundings.
Orangeries are generally more expensive because they have a brick base, and are more like an extension than a garden room. However, they will be more versatile and thermally efficient, and can be adapted as a home office or dining room, for example.
Decide on the size
How big your conservatory is will depend on the amount of land available, and what you want to use it for. Spend some time weighing up this decision carefully, as it is difficult to change once the construction is in place. Do you value the garden, and simply want a light filled space to sit in winter? Or do you need extra space for an office or growing family?
Choose a professional installer
If you are on a small budget, it may be tempting to buy a self-assembly kit. However, conservatories are notoriously prone to draughts and leaks when not installed correctly. It may be false economy to undertake the work yourself, as you could end up in a constant battle with repairs, which will ruin your enjoyment of the structure.
Looking for a professionally recommended company is the safest way to ensure you will have good quality work, which will be an asset to your home for many years to come.