Do you need to build a conservatory? Awesome! A conservatory or a greenhouse will improve your home, help you live greener, and make gardening more fun for you.
Building a conservatory can seem like a daunting task. There are a number of things you need to think about. If this is your first time of attempting to build a conservatory, then you are looking at what seems like a herculean task. Fortunately, it is not as hard as you might think. This is why we’ve put together this expert step-by-step guide to help you build a conservatory you will love.
What is a Conservatory?
Everyone knows what conservatory is. In the United Kingdom, it is mostly known as a greenhouse. Some people refer to it as a sunroom. Actually, the name doesn’t matter. A conservatory is usually an exterior room which has glass walls as well as a glass roof.
A conservatory makes gardening fun and long-lasting. When built, it is usually placed in the part of the yard where it will get lots of sunlight and fresh air. A good conservatory comes with a lot of benefits. It will help you to garden all year round, add additional living space to your home, provide a relaxing environment, and improve the overall value of your home.
If you have decided to join millions of other UK residents who enjoy gardening, this article will provide you a step-by-step guide of how you can build your own conservatory easily. Keep on reading to find out more.
Step-By-Step Guide To Build a Conservatory:
Understand What The Law Says About Building Conservatory
Before you build your conservatory, make sure that you know the law regarding building a conservatory in the United Kingdom. According to the 2008 law, conservatory falls under “Permitted Development Right”. This means you don’t have to apply for permission. However, you are expected to comply with certain rules. Some of these rules include:
- Your conservatory cannot be higher than your roof
- The conservatory must not be more than 50% of your “original house”.
- It must be less than 4 meters in height
- It must not obstruct any public road
- The conservatory cannot cover more than half of land the house is sited on
- There should be no raised platforms, verandas or balconies.
You need to ensure you follow these rules when building a conservatory in the UK. You can also read up on other laws guiding the building of conservatory. Failure to follow these rules could result in a hefty fine or even demolition of your conservatory.
Know What You Want
It is important that you understand the type of conservatory you want before you proceed. Check Pinterest for images of different types of conservatories. Usually, conservatories are available in different styles and designs. Choose the style that appeals to you the most and then add some personal touch.
Some of the most popular designs include:
- Victorian
- Extensions
- Aluminum
- Woods
- UPVC
- Elizabethan
- Edwardian
- Lantern
- P-Shaped
- Gable
- Lean To
Ensure you are clear on what you want to use the conservatory for, but be flexible on the types of a conservatory, designs, and materials that you need to get the job done.
Get Your Home Checked
Ensure that you have your home checked before you start building your conservatory. You need a surveyor to handle this for you. A surveyor will be able to figure out the best place to site your conservatory. You also need to look at drainage or issues with your land.
Shop Around and Get Quotes
We always recommend that you shop around for quotes. As soon as you figure out what you want, visit different greenhouse equipment stores or check their website to get a quote. Whether you want to use a local or national company, make sure that you get at least 3 to 5 quotes. Ask the company to provide you with the cost of extras such as electric points and roof panels. You can compare your quote to see which company is the best for you depending on your budget and needs.
Build Your Conservatory
The first thing you need to build is the base of your conservatory. Start by taking a measurement. Write down the measurement and proceed to dig the foundation of the conservatory. When you are done digging, remove the wasteful soil and level the earth.
Next, add concrete to the foundation you dug and build your conservatory floor level. Go ahead to build a dwarf-wall. Your dwarf wall should start from the base and up to no more than one meter in height. After building your wall, place your custom-made roof ridge on top of the frames. Ensure it is the exact measurements you need.
Final Words
Building a conservatory on your own can be very challenging. Take, for instance, the construction of dwarf wall greenhouses with a brick base and aluminum or wood can be very challenging. In most cases, this will require the skills of an expert. You should consider working with a reputable firm when you want to build your first dwarf wall conservatory.