What to expect from the conservatory building process

Installing a bespoke conservatory or orangery is an exciting project but can also seem something of a challenge. This can be a stressful time, but our unique service means that we take care of everything from start to finish, so all you have to do is sit back and relax while we do all the hard work. The process seems much less daunting when you know exactly what to expect during construction, so we’ve created a quick guide to conservatory building.

Steps towards building your conservatory

Choosing the design

Your first decision is to decide on the style of your conservatory. A design that complements the architectural style of your home will not only enhance its appearance but will also add to the value of your property. Victorian conservatories feature a bow front design that complements period architecture perfectly while the understated elegance and large glass panels of an Edwardian conservatory suit both modern and traditional homes. A lean-to conservatory can give your home a real wow factor and creates a streamlined extension to a modern home. Lean to designs can also be used very successfully to create a contemporary extension to an older style house.

When choosing windows and doors, you have complete creative control over the final appearance of your conservatory. uPVC is perhaps the most popular choice and as well as classic white, is available in an array of colours. Aluminium conservatories are lightweight and durable so lend themselves to larger structures while wood offers a very handsome, traditional appearance.

Do you need planning permission?

Since the relaxation of planning permission regulations, you may not need planning permission for a conservatory. In many cases, a conservatory or orangery comes under the category of “permitted development” and planning permission will therefore not be required. However, certain regulations must be complied with and mistakes could prove costly. These include

• A new extension must be no more than 50% of the original area of the house
• There must be no raised verandas, platforms or balconies
• The conservatory must be no higher than the existing highest point of the roof
• The overall height must be less than 4m

In some cases, for example, if your property is a listed building, a new build or is situated in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. However, we have many years’ experience in dealing with building consent and can carry out all the paperwork required on your behalf so that the project goes as smoothly as possible.

How long will it take to build a conservatory?

Exactly how long it takes to build a conservatory depends on a number of factors as our bespoke design service means that all our conservatories are built to our customers’ individual requirements. The extent of work required can vary, for example, whether or not foundations are required or any walls need to be built. However, as a rough guide, we tell our customers to plan for a period of between 8 and 12 weeks to start to finish, much quicker than a traditional extension. The steps are as follows:

• The initial consultation allows us to fully understand your requirements so that we can work with you and help you bring your dream conservatory to life.
• Our surveyor will then visit the site, take detailed measurements and our design team will draw up the plans.
• We then apply for planning permission, if required, and then design and manufacture your bespoke conservatory.
• The foundations will then be dug and any walls built. While some disruption to your garden is inevitable, we endeavour to minimise any damage to your lawn and will ensure that your garden is left in a tidy state at the end of every working day; you can rely on us to carry out everything with the minimum of mess and disruption.

• The installation of the frame, roof and doors are all carried out by a team of dedicated, local fitters that oversee the project from start to finish.  There will also be installation managers available that will visit your site regularly to ensure the process is running smoothly.
• Once the construction phase of the base and brickwork is complete, any plumbing and electrics are installed while keeping disruption to your services to an absolute minimum.
• The final stages include plastering, decorating and flooring if required and our own team of expert tradesmen will carry out everything to the highest standards.

The finishing touches

Once the conservatory is completed, a final inspection is arranged when our senior installations manager will inspect the construction to ensure that everything is as it should be.

When everything is carried out to your complete satisfaction, you will be asked to “sign off” the job and your new conservatory will be ready for you to enjoy.

With over 50 years’ experience and a firmly established reputation for quality and reliability, the greatest part of our business comes from word of mouth recommendations. To find out more, just drop into our Aylesbury showroom, call us on 03336 007 007 to speak to one of our team of friendly advisers.