How to choose the right conservatory for you home with Extended Living
Monday 15th April 2013
The addition of adding a conservatory to your home is usually more cost effect than having to move house. Conservatoires give you the benefit being able to enjoy your garden without having to sit outside if there’s a chill or if it's raining.
Uses for a conservatory
• Recently there has been a trend for larger kitchen’s and an informal living space which has had an increase in the demand for conservatories and orangies in homes.
• Opening up the back of the house into the conservatory requires substantial structural alterations, which, although perfectly feasible, will mean planning regulations apply.
Styles of conservatories
Traditional-The type of conservatory you choose will depend on the style of your home. Victorian or Edwardian styles are more suited to older properties and these have proven to remain quite popular with our clients. Variations in these styles include a full length glass wall or a dwarf walls with glass. Orangies are also another popular choice with clients. Orangies were originally built to cultivate orange trees and have solid walls inset with glazed panels or full-length doors and a glazed roof.
Modern- Nowadays adding a light, modern space to your home is an increasingly popular option with many clients at Extended Living. Contemporary conservatories are usually are generally bespoke to each client, so prices vary depending on each requirement.
Professional advice
A conservatory is a big financial commitment and the cost of the projects depends on the construction materials, whether it is standard or bespoke and the extent that the building work is managed.
Practical Advice
Heating- A conservatory can be heated by water or electrical under floor heating. Alternatively, the central heating can be extended with radiators fitted against low walls or by ducting the heat through decorative grilles installed around the edge of the floor. It is advisable to operate the conservatory's heating on a separate circuit and thermostat to the main boiler.
Floors- As most people choose this area of the house as a living space it will have a high volume of traffic so laying a durable floor is advisable. We would recommend ceramic tiles or natural stone.
Blinds- are the most practical feature to the conservatory they can be used to maintain the temperature of the room all year around, provide privacy and protect the furnishings from being bleached by the sun. You will need to have your blind made and fitted by an expert to ensure that they are properly supported. For windows that are hard to reach it is also advisable to fit an operating system.
Garden- It is advisable to set aside a budget to make sure that you are able to restore your garden after the construction work has been carried out.
Double glazing- is advisable, as is low-emissivity glass. This has a metal coating that allows sunlight (short wave radiation) through but reflects heat from radiators (long wave radiation) back into the conservatory.
Conservatory maintenance- We will advise you on how to maintain your conservatory once we have it installed. Although as a guide, wash heavy grime on windows, aluminium and PVC frames with a soap and water solution every couple of months. Solvent-based or abrasive cleaners should not be used and timber surfaces should also be regularly washed down to remove surface pollution.
