How to Choose and Install Your Perfect Conservatory

Adding a conservatory or sunroom to your home is a great way to increase space and they are usually much quicker to construct than an extension. A well built and furnished sun room can also add extra value to a property which you should always bear in mind whenever you carry out any work to your home. If you are thinking of adding one to your house then make sure that you check out the top tips below so that you get the best one for your requirements and budget.

• It's always advisable to double check with your local planning authority before you start any work to see whether you need planning permission for the new addition to your home. Don't automatically assume that you won't need consent and start building anyway as you could waste thousands of pounds if you're forced to take the structure down.

• Make sure that you calculate the internal floor area that you want and manually mark out the area before discussing quotations with builders and suppliers. The majority of suppliers will quote sizes based on the external frame of the extension which is fine but you also need to be sure that the internal space is big enough for you as well as this is the area you will use.

• Shop around and try to make the new addition to your property sympathetic to the style and tone of the rest of your house as otherwise the structure could look awkward and out of place. There are so many different styles and materials available on the market all with varying brickwork and rendering that you are sure to be able to find something that fits perfectly with your home.

• Try to obtain quotes from a number of firms and don't be tempted to just go for the cheapest. It's always advisable to short list about three or four companies so that you have a good idea of what you can get for your money. It can sometimes be beneficial to try and negotiate on price but don't try to negotiate too far as you may well end up with a substandard job from a less than professional company.

• When you are deciding your budget for the sun room, make sure that you have a small contingency fund for the project, you might want to put aside 10% - 15% for unforeseen circumstances. This can come in handy if your builders or fitters discover any extra building work or landscaping that needs to be carried out. It's unlikely that you will need to use this but it's always good to have something in reserve should the worst happen.

• Invest in some extras to make your sun room a comfortable and attractive living space. A well made set of conservatory blinds can really help to set the tone for the room. You might want to consider investing in a set of black out blinds as these are perfect for maintaining a cooler temperature in the room during summer months.

Your new sun room should be an attractive and practical space for the whole family to enjoy so take the time to consider the points above before you make an investment.

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