The winter may not be a time that is traditionally associated with conservatories: most people might regard them as summer sitting rooms where you can enjoy the garden in full bloom. However, with thoughtful planning and a trusted design team, a conservatory is a versatile space that can be used all year round as an extension of your home.
We may be heading into the depths of winter, but this can be an ideal time to start planning a glazed extension. You will be able to take your time to get all the details just right, and there will still be plenty of time for the conservatory to be installed just as spring is bringing new life to your garden. Here are some reasons why it’s worth putting the wheels in motion right now.
Securing the best team
Reputable suppliers of quality traditional conservatories are in high demand, and their manufacturing and delivery slots tend to get booked up months in advance. Sure, there are cheaper options on the market who will promise to throw together a conservatory within a couple of weeks, but it is likely that they will cut corners at all stages of the process.
You could be in danger of ending up with an extension that doesn’t properly meet your needs, is prone to developing frequent faults such as gaps and leaks, and is difficult to heat or keep cool. The ongoing repair and maintenance costs can also be burdensome.
Therefore it is important to choose your supplier carefully and select the best your budget can afford to avoid a false economy. By getting ahead of the spring rush, you will have more options and won’t need to settle for second best. Take a look at the company’s portfolio and read testimonials from previous customers to help you make the right choice.
If you act now before seasonal demand reaches its peak, you may also be able to secure deals or discounts, allowing you to get even better value for your money.
Getting the perfect design
Allowing ample time for the planning and design stage of your conservatory means that you will be able to think carefully about every detail, and even change your mind a couple of times along the way. You will be able to work with the design team with no pressure to make quick decisions, so you can consider their suggestions at your own pace.
This way, you are more likely to choose materials, finishes and design features that complement your home and fully suit your needs, without any regrets or costly and disruptive alterations further down the road.
Navigating permissions and approvals
In most cases, a conservatory extension will fall within permitted development rights, meaning that planning permission is not required. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s important to check the situation with your local planning authority. If you live in a listed building, you will need to obtain Listed Building Consent before any alterations take place.
Another consideration may be if you live in a Conservation Area where certain building restrictions apply. If you choose a local supplier for your extension, the design team will be familiar with the planning rules and regulations, and will be able to advise you accordingly.
The process of applying for and obtaining approval from local councils can take several weeks or even months, so by putting the wheels in motion now, you can avoid any frustrating delays that might prevent you from having the conservatory ready to enjoy during the summer months.
Planning a year-round conservatory
By thinking about your conservatory and its potential uses during the winter, you are more likely to have a space that is usable all year round. If you wait until the spring or summer, winter challenges may fade from your mind and the result will be less satisfactory.
For example, you may realise how useful the extension could be over the festive season as a dining room or extra social space for gatherings, guest bedroom, or children’s playroom. This can help you to integrate features such as underfloor heating and high-performance glazing, which makes heating and cooling the conservatory easier and more energy efficient.