Building a conservatory is generally a sound investment. Not only will it improve the sales potential of a property, but it will lend an air of luxury and create new space for your home. However, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account. Size and space available in your garden, adhering to existing styles, quality of materials and the position of the house in general are all important factors. Get these right and you will enjoy the benefits of a more attractive, spacious home for years to come.
How much room do you need?
Size is a key issue, considering you’re probably adding a conservatory because you have plans for another room or want to maximise the potential of the property you own. However, be aware that conservatories which take up more than half the garden space may be difficult to obtain planning permission for and may not be ideal when it comes to putting your house on the market. A bit of forethought makes sense, so identify the main reasons why you want a conservatory and progress on this basis.
If the structure is to be an extension of your garden, or used for hosting outdoor parties and barbecues, you may not need it to be that big. Similarly, office and study space need only be as large as the furniture you wish to put in. It’s always a good idea to discuss with an installation company what size will suit your needs best. The average house can be increased by up to 15%, but experts should also be able to advise you about things like boundaries as the laws do vary across the country.
Positioning
The position of the extra build is extremely relevant to its use. If your garden is faces east, the conservatory will make a good morning room, catching the early light. South-facing conservatories may become overheated in summer, so be prepared to purchase blinds or ventilation to reduce the effects of this. Conversely, a north-facing conservatory may need its own heating in the winter. Conservatories with a western orientation can be ideal for retreating for some post-work relaxation as they get the best of the natural light later on in the day.
Appearance and style
Styles very much depend on what kind of property you own and your own preference. Modern homes don’t suit very ornate designs, but there are plenty of conservatories on the market which combine contemporary and decorative features. Look at interior design photos and get a feel for what sort of conservatory furniture and styling you want inside the extension. Period houses like those from the Victorian or Edwardian eras should be given extra thought as it’s more attractive to build a complementary conservatory it also makes better business sense for selling.
As far as upgrading your home goes, a conservatory is among the best ways to achieve this. It’s not a decision that should be made hastily, though; when you’re planning, take time to measure out the space you want and get an idea for how the garden would look after the build is complete. Shop around and think about the materials and reputation of the company before taking the cheapest quote. A conservatory is something that needs to last to make it worth the time and money, so give yourself plenty of thinking time before taking the first step.