A Conservatory is commonly referred to as the greenhouse or sunroom and is often considered the best part of any garden. That’s why your best bet is to use a space where there is a free flow of fresh air and lots of sunlight. Even more, owning a conservatory is a great way to increase the value of your home.

However, when it comes to building a conservatory, it’s a whole other matter entirely and there are several things to consider and decisions to make. Altogether, it can end up being a daunting experience. For that reason, we have compiled 4 tips to guide you when building a conservatory.

1. Have a Purpose

Conservatories are quite versatile as a whole so, going in, it’s advisable that you have a clear idea of how you intend to use your conservatory. It could be anything from a fine dining area to a living space or even an office. If you’re looking to use it as an office space, first consider the security aspect. One great option is using keycards in clear badge holders.

Altogether, having clear-cut plans for your conservatory influences other factors and decisions that you need to make. Some of them include interior furnishing, shape, and size, as well as, the materials that will be used in its construction.

2. Get Planning Permission

As much as some people like to do everything themselves, this is one of those times where the services of an experienced company are needed from day one. First and foremost, they’re in the best position to advise you on the regulations you should be aware of and even help you get all the permits you need. The implication of not getting the right permits is dire, and you may need to tear down your new structure before you even get to use it. At the end of the day, this is just not worth the risk.

However, there are a few cases where you may not need planning permission, like cases where the conservatory roof is below the roof of your house. But as advised earlier, always do your research for clarity before building.

3. Select a Style

There are about a handful of styles to choose from when planning to set up a conservatory. Some of those options include the P-shape, Double hip, Victorian and Edwardian style. The style you choose basically hinges in your plans for the place.

But, do not forget your furniture when designing. Make sure you include adequate wall space if you intend to have large furniture that you’ll need to stand, like a dresser or bookshelf.

4. Choice of Materials

The choice of material used for a conservatory varies, however, there are three main materials most people choose from. They are PVC – which is the most common and cheapest, hardwood – a common choice for designer homes but more expensive and finally, Aluminum – which is also an inexpensive choice, but less widely used.

The traditional choice for conservatory buildings is a clear ceiling made of see-through plastic or glass. It’s not just for that wow factor, but this allows you to connect with the sky and watch the clouds. However, if you are an energy-conscious individual, installing plasterboard ceilings will help retain heat which ultimately limits your need for a radiator.

The important takeaway from this is the need to do proper research and have a clear intention and design in mind before you start building.