New conservatories are a cost-effective way of adding living space to your home, especially in the right area of the property. It’s commonly viewed that a well-designed addition could add 5% to your house value. It’s worth remembering though that it’s not a freebie, and the extra money you spend will need to be recouped when you come to sell your home.
Ideally, your new garden room should complement the style and proportions of the house that it’s being added to. That doesn’t mean it has to match exactly, but there should be a degree of consistency in terms of colour, window styles and perhaps details like the way the roof is articulated (as on this example from The Conservatory Company).
You will also need to consider how your new glazed addition will link with your existing floorplan. A conservatory that feels disjointed from the rest of the building will not be as enjoyable to use and will be less likely to add to the value of your property. That might be through an open-plan layout or, as on this design from the Home and Garden Magazine, via a glazed screen that separates the conservatory from the kitchen, but which still gives a connection to the glazed space.
A high-quality conservatory should be a year-round space that’s comfortable even in the depths of winter and height of summer. This will be helped by a draught-proof base, high quality windows and doors, and an internal quality door that separates the conservatory from the house and limits heat loss and noise transfer.
The choice of flooring is another important consideration for your conservatory. Wood floors are a good option, but make sure you opt for an engineered hardwood, rather than softwoods that might warp or shrink over time. Carpet is another option, but you should choose a high-quality product to ensure it will be durable and provide adequate insulation.
If you’re planning a new conservatory, it’s important to find a company that can advise on regulations and obtain any necessary consents. A reputable firm will work with you to plan and build your garden room in line with building regulations, and will have all the technical expertise required to help you with things like structural engineering.
You should also ensure that your new conservatory comes with a good guarantee covering labour, materials and major parts such as the roof, windows and brickwork. It’s best to opt for a supply and fit package from one supplier so that you can have just one point of contact if anything goes wrong with your build. You should also ask for a list of references and ideally visit previous customers’ installations to see how their conservatories have stood the test of time. New conservatories