So you have decided to build on that long-awaited conservatory onto your residence. Congratulations! Conservatories are the most cost effective way of gaining floor space for your property. There is a huge variation in the range of conservatory prices available to you, depending on the quality of the conservatory you intend to build. In this article we will give you a checklist that you can refer to when you are considering different aspects of your conservatory, in order to ensure that you do not compromise too much on quality in favour of price.
Here is the checklist:
- Check whether or not you need planning permission. In many cases you do not need planning for a conservatory, but it is always best to check before you commence. This is not a factor that will affect the cost of your conservatory, however if you erect an illegal structure it could cost you money to get out of that difficulty.
- Get the best materials available within your budget. When you are building a conservatory, you intend it to be there for some time. The better quality the materials that go into the construction of the structure, the more long lasting it will be.
- Choose a quality polycarbonate product for your roof. Unless you are constructing a solid roof for your conservatory, ensure that your polycarbonate roof is of adequate thickness (about 25mm). This will help ensure that your conservatory has proper insulation. Competitive conservatory prices could quote for 16mm polycarbonate roofs, but this may cost you more in fuel and electricity with regard to heating and cooling costs in the long term.
- Ensure that the locks and other security measures are up to standard. Manufacturers quoting very keen conservatory prices could be doing so by cutting back on quality locks. Your conservatory is going to be part of your residence and so needs to be as secure.
- There is a temptation to put in small foundations for conservatories as people assume that there will be less pressure on these foundations. However, over a period of time you could find that your conservatory comes under pressure and will possible show signs of subsidence, if your foundations are of inferior quality. The foundations for a conservatory should be as good as those for a traditional extension.
- If a manufacturer has an end of line range of a certain style of conservatory, it may be offered at a very keen price. If this conservatory is complimentary to your home, then you could avail of this offer. However, if it were to take from the style of the original house, it could affect the value of the property if you were to consider selling your home in the future.