Conservatories are the ideal addition to your home for making the most of the fleeting British summer. Joinery firms offer a choice of different designs to accommodate your personal needs and tastes. Below we have provided a summary of points to consider and ideas for inspiration when choosing a conservatory.
Placing Your Conservatory
When designing and placing your conservatory it is worth bearing in mind the direction it is going to face. The direction your conservatory faces will make a significant difference to the amount of sun received.
If your conservatory is going to face north then you will receive the least amount of sun. This means you probably won't need to install blinds in the roof. Thicker glass is recommended to provide extra insulation as is a heating system.
East facing conservatories will also receive less sun but will receive the most in the morning.
South facing conservatories on the other hand will receive a lot of sun light and will be very warm. Good ventilation will be required so go for a design with lots of windows and consider air conditioning. Roof blinds are also recommended or tinted glass for the roof.
Similarly, west facing conservatories will receive a lot of sun especially in the evening.
Planning permission
In most of mainland Britain you will not usually need to seek planning permission before adding a conservatory to your home. By definition, to be exempt form building regulation approval, a conservatory must have a transparent or translucent roof. Other circumstances may restrict your options so it is recommended to discuss any queries at your local planning office. The following are some of the main reasons why planning permission is usually required.
If your property is a listed building or you live within a conservation area then it is always recommended to seek advice before making any alterations.
If the proposed conservatory reaches towards 2 metres of the limits of your property or if the design is over 4 metres tall from ground level then you should seek a second opinion.
If your home has already had a large extension there is a limit to what else can be added. If the total area of all extensions (including the proposed conservatory) around your property exceeds 30 square metres then you should consult your local planning office.
If you are thinking of adding a conservatory to the front of your home there are some specific guidelines. The area the conservatory occupies cannot extend from your property any further than the current front wall facing the road.
Garden Rooms
Garden rooms are an alternative to conservatories which feature windows along the walls with a solid ceiling. Garden rooms can either stand independently from your home or can be added as an extension.
A key feature of garden rooms compared to traditional conservatories is the all year round solution that they provide. As the roof of the room is not glass the garden room won't become excessively stuffy in summer. Likewise, the insulating qualities of the solid roof will provide greater warmth during winter.
The low height of eaves in the design makes garden rooms a better addition to lower homes and bungalows when compared to conservatories. Garden rooms are also a popular alternative for people who are thinking of adding an extension to their home. A garden room designed by a joiner will usually cost less than a traditional brick built extension.
Planning permission will need to be sought before adding a garden room to your property. Your joiner should be able to offer advice on this.