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Planning for a New Conservatory

07 May 2015

Planning for the build of your new conservatory takes time and effort. You have to put in some research to ensure that your conservatory is fit for purpose. But, you don’t have to spend long hours studying this. Just having some foresight as to what you want is a great way of achieving your conservatory dreams.

Conservatories are a cheap, but beautiful way of giving your home additional space. This is why they are the UK’s favourite form of home improvement. The affordability and ease of build are the key reasons why they are so popular.

But, what do you have to consider when planning for the build of your conservatory?

Planning Permission

Like any permanent structure, you need to ensure that you are operating within the rules as espoused by your local authority. But, as long as your conservatory is one storey high and does not take over half the space of your land, you will not have to obtain special permission. As a general rule of thumb, conservatories are exempt from planning permission. Do make sure that the roof of your conservatory does not exceed that of your houses roof. This is an important detail. If you are concerned, do seek out advice from your local council. The rules of planning permission and conservatories can be found on your local authority’s website.

Finding the Right Task Force

When it comes to building your new conservatory, many people seek out contractors. Always look for someone that specialises in this area. Having a specialist task force will ensure that stress is reduced. What’s more, you don’t have to do it yourself! Do be sure to investigate the credentials of your contractor. Ensure that they are au fait with newer constructions so that they comply with the ‘green’ rules for your conservatory. After all, you don’t want to lose heat from your conservatory. This can be costly. Be certain to research different contractors. Get recommendations from family and friends. Do obtain several quotes. Also endeavour to have a payment schedule in place. Don’t pay someone upfront for the job.

Make Your Conservatory a Year-Round Space

You need to make sure that you can use your new space all year round. So, do be sure to invest in a quality conservatory that you can use in the summer and the winter. Opt for state of the art technology to ensure that you are maximising this space all year-round. It’s a great way of keeping your conservatory cool in the summer but toasty in the winter. At Centurion, we offer Pilkington safety glass as standard. Not only does this mean that your new structure is safe, but it also ensures that you are warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The Pilkington K glass range is perfect for those that want to use their conservatory as a communal space all year-round. This glass has a reflective coating that allows for your conservatory to be warm in the cold, winter months. Do be sure to investigate your glass requirements. For gardens that don’t get direct sun around the rear of their property, investing in the right glass can make your conservatory a more viable prospect.