Top Tips When Planning A Conservatory Or Sunroom
|
General advice.
Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all mod cons if you're only prepared to pay for the cheapest design.
Try to meet the builders who will be doing the work ? it's crucial that you can get on with them.
Check whether you'll need planning permission ? don't rely on the conservatory supplier to take care of that for you.
Be friendly and cooperative towards the constructors ? you'll have more chance of getting the job done well.
If possible, view some installations done by your proposed supplier. Talk to their customers about how the builders went about their work, whether there were any major delays etc.
Always have a small contingency as there may be unexpected and unpleasant surprises once the construction starts, for which money will need to be available.
Buy the best conservatory you can afford. Gather as much information as possible on glazing options and construction materials so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
Let your neighbours know about your plans so that they won't be offended by your conservatory ? either through jealousy or loss of light in their garden.
Inform your insurance company, as you will need to review your cover.
Design and decision tips
Use pegs and string to mark out the area of your proposed conservatory and then, ideally, fill it with the planned furnishings ? a dining table, a sofa and plants ? to check whether you have as much space as you would like. If moving the furniture is impractical, use sand or chalk to mark out the spaces they will take up.
Always calculate your internal floor size when ordering a conservatory and remember than most conservatory companies quote for the external area. Get at least three quotations but don't automatically choose the lowest. The cheapest supplier will rarely give you the best product or service.
Depending on the shape of the conservatory, it is generally inadvisable to put doors in the front of the conservatory, as it creates a corridor that makes fitting in furniture difficult.
Build your conservatory onto a well-used room, like your kitchen or living room.
Don't compromise on the size of your conservatory.
Choose a shape and style that will enhance the look of your home.
Try to match the construction materials and colour with those used for your home.
Take interesting details like bargeboards and unusually-shaped windows into the design of your conservatory.
Have a plan drawn up by an architect if you are looking for a specific and unusual design. This helps in discussions with the supplier and will also enable you to compare estimates on a like-for-like basis, which is important.
The more money you spend on efficient insulation and roofing and glazing systems, the less you'll end up spending on heating and cooling systems for your conservatory.
Remember to budget for extras such as blinds, furniture and heating.
Construction Tips
Attach 20mm PVCu trunking to the head of the PVCu frame between the roof and window sections. This gives the appearance of it being part of the window frame and provides great flexibility in adding extra lights, speaker wires, alarm detectors, etc.
Always lay your insulated central heating pipes in a gap created in the concrete flooring, never bury them in the concrete (should there be a leak it would be a disaster!).
DIY tips
Do your homework. Research which conservatory you want by having a look around on the Internet and at your local conservatory suppliers. Make lists of all the materials you will need plus their costs ? this will help you set your budget.
Be aware that manufacturers often quote 'inside cill' sizes. This is roughly equivalent to inside of the outside skin of bricks in a cavity wall, which is neither the indoor floor size, nor the outside wall size.
Buy where the trade buys. (Look for trade suppliers of screws, bolts, silicones etc)
Make the conservatory floor height the same as the floors in your home.
At the planning stage, add sufficient funding for extras such as skip hire, drainage pipes and paving.
Beware of building your dwarf wall too high ? you won't be able to enjoy the view of the garden!
Make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Get help from friends who have experience in skills like concreting or plumbing. And don't be afraid to hire professional help when you really need it.
Don't skimp on the finishes you won't see, like cavity insulation and foundation. It will catch up with you in the long run.
Buy from a conservatory specialist rather than a DIY store. The former can give you invaluable advice on glazing and roofing options and you might need his help when things don't go to plan.
Maintenance tips
Use a silicone lubricant on squeaky hinges.
Using washing up liquid to clean the windows will degrade the sealant so DON'T DO IT!
Don't use abrasive cleaners on woodgrain PVCu conservatories.
Aluminium polish bought at motor shops can be used as a cleaner for silver aluminium conservatories.
Finally
Make sure there is someone to take care of the plants in your conservatory when you are on holiday! More than anywhere else in your home, plants in the conservatory need plenty of water.
Be careful when burning candles during the day. The heat can cause them to melt or bend so don't leave them unattended.
Barry Dunlop is the Founder of ConservatoriesOnline.com - The online place for people interested in conservatories, sunrooms, garden rooms, and orangeries.Find more tips and advice at his website: http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
|
|
|
Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows In A Wood Frame Opening
When we left off last week, we had removed the old wood sash windows and prepared the opening for the vinyl replacement windows. Now it's time to install your new windows. You should have someone there to help you when doing the installation. First, Remove all shipping materials from the window. Now, if you are installing several different sizes, make sure you are putting the correct window in the correct opening. You need to put the window into the opening to make sure it's going to fit, then remove it and run a bead of caulk on the f...(related: Home Improvement)
Feng Shui Tips For Your Home Office
Did you know that over 50% of women now run their own home business or work from home? Get your compass out and find the following directions because we are going to try and make things run a little smoother for you using the ancient art of object placement - Feng Shui.The most ideal locations to situate a home office, in order of best to second, third ad fo...(related: Home Improvement)
Home Remodeling Business
Need for home remodelingThe need for home remodeling is on the rise as many people like the neighborhood they live in and the affordability of their existing homes. By incurring a little cost they can remodel their old houses to increase space and add new amenities. The need for remodeling is detailed below.Financial gainsWhile home remodeling can be an expensive affair, it is reasonable as compared to purchasing a new house. Shifting into a new house incurs costs in the form of moving expenses, closing costs and the agent's commission, which is...(related: Home Improvement)
Hammocks Create A Stress Free Zone
Stress is all around us, from the office to the front yard and everywhere in between. Homeowners are buying hammocks and porch swings to create that stress free zone they need to unwind after a busy day. All hammocks and porch swings are not created equal. A hammock can come with a stand for easy set up anywhere such as at poolside or by a lake; or others are hung between trees or from a ceiling. You will have to decide what type and style you want as there are so many sizes and types available. You might also want a chair style that can be hung from the ceiling. ...(related: Home Improvement)
Small Cabin Plans - Finding A Great Log Cabin Plan Online
Small cabin plans - how do you find that special log cabin plan that is just right for you? Befor...(related: Home Improvement)
Removing Your Old Wood Double Hung Windows
Last week I told you how to measure your wood window openings to properly order your new vinyl replacement windows. This week I'm going to explain how to remove your...(related: Home Improvement)
Maintaining Your Hot Tub
Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. Hot tubs cost thousands of dollars and if not maintained properly they can become ineffective within just a few months. Maintaining your hot tub and all of its components is a key factor in how long it will last. In order to maximize the life of your hot tub and keep it running smoothly for many years, follow these steps which will ensure your hot tub will function properly.TestingTesting your water once a week is crucial to maintaining a hot tub. When you purchase a hot tub, the manufactu...(related: Home Improvement)
Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California
Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event if you don't take cautionary measures to ensure proper work to be conducted. First, you must review your service provider's credentials and make sure that they have a well known history of success in the asphalt paving industry. Consequently, make sure they are licen...(related: Home Improvement)
How To Build A Home Sauna - Three Important Questions To Answer Before Building
Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health benefits and provide a relaxing spa experience, it's no wonder than more and more people want to know how to build a home sauna. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your budget, the space available, and how handy you are. There are three important questions to answer before you begin building your home sauna.What Will You Use For Heat?The first factor to evaluate when planning how to build a sauna is your heat source. Will you use electricity, gas, wood or some other type of energy? Many people consider the wood-burning sauna to be the top c...(related: Home Improvement)
Maintaining Your Hot Tub
Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. Hot tubs cost thousands of dollars and if not maintained properly they can become ineffective within just a few months. Maintaining your hot tub and all of its components is a key factor in how long it will last. In order to maximize the life of your hot tub and keep it running smoothly for many years, follow these steps which will ensure your hot tub will function properly.TestingTesting your water once a week is crucial to maintaining a hot tub. When you purchase a hot tub, the manufactu...(related: Home Improvement)
Log Homes - Is A Log Home In Your Future?
Many people dream about a log home in their future but never get around to making their dream come true. Here's how to get past the hurdles and start living your dream.Finances are one of the most common reasons many people never live their log home dreams. The reasons may only be perceived or they may be real. But even if real, it may be possible to overcome the obstacles.First, you'll have to decide on a basic floorplan and house size. Selecting one of the standard plans from a log home company's portfolio simplifies this process. The company can tell you the price of the log "kit" and may be able to give you a "turn-key" estimate for the finished house. If not, you can make a very rough estimate by assuming that the final turn-key cost will be between two and three times the cost of the kit....(related: Home Improvement)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Home Improvement