1. DIY Conservatories

Take a look at our Conservatory Styles page for information on different conservatory styles. Things to consider with choosing a conservatory:

How do you envisage using your new conservatory, Will be it a playroom, an office, a dining room, a second living area or an all weather extension to the garden. Its very important to choose before you purchase the conservatory as things like insulation and heating can be added to the conservatory if it’s a room that you will use day in and day out.

Mark out the size and shape of your proposed conservatory using pegs and string and also peg out the things you want in your conservatory, including conservatory furniture such as a sofa, table, chairs etc. You can then judge whether you have as much space as you would like. Always remember to peg out the new door openings especially if the new French doors open inwards as doors take up a lot of room inside when they are opened. Continued. .

Make sure you choose a conservatory shape and design that will enhance the look of your home, and try to match the construction materials and colours to those of your house.
You may find that you like the idea of a fantastically original design but, other people who may want to purchase your property in the future may not think so.

How much will it cost?
The cost of your new conservatory will be an important factor in your choice, remember that although a conservatory is classed as a temporary structure you may find it lasts for years, long after you’ve moved on.

Cheap conservatories may not always be the way to go but a cheap quality conservatory may be a bargain, see our quotation page for a free local quote.

Dwarf wall conservatories tend to cost less than full-height frame models, but the extra labour and materials it takes to build the dwarf wall may in fact cost more than a full height one. We would advise that you get quotes from local reputable builders and make your choice from there.

Do I need Planning Permission?

Under the new Planning regulations that came into effect in October 2008 adding a conservatory to your house is to be considered to be permitted development up to a certain size and projection (see below), a Planning application will be required if the new conservatory exceeds any of the following:

1) No more than half the area of land around the 'original house'* would to be covered by extensions or other out buildings.

2) No conservatory forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting towards a highway, a highway would include public footpaths and roads

Read more in our Planning Permission page.

What about Building Regulations?

Most conservatories do not fall under the jurisdiction of the building regulations and a building regulations application will not be required if the conservatory meets the following conditions:

1) Is built at ground level and is less than 30 metres square in floor area.

2) At least 50% of the new wall and 75% of the roof is either glazed or made of a translucent material.

Read more in our Building Regulations page.

Continue to page 2.

1. DIY conservatories

2. Site preparation & foundations

3. Dwarf wall and Cills