Choosing the right Conservatory - more space and light for you and your family

A modern Budget Windows upvc conservatory will give you room to breathe. Whether you want to create a garden room, a dining room, a study or a playroom (for you or the children) a conservatory gives you the freedom to extend and enjoy your home.

But upvc conservatories are not a new idea; they've developed from Victorian country houses and Edwardian villas via the fifties "lean to", to become part of a modern home.

The big difference is that with modern technology you can enjoy unparalleled safety, security and energy efficiency whether you prefer classic edwardian, victorian, lean-to conservatories, georgian conservatories or bespoke style.

Here are some questions to ask when you start looking for your ideal conservatory...

1. How do I choose the right PVCu / upvc conservatory for my home?
2. Do I need planning permission?
3. Are there Building Regulations I need to consider?
4. How do I select the right roof for my PVCu / upvc conservatory?
5. What about the glazing in the roof?
6. Is ventilation important when adding PVCu / upvc conservatories?
7. How can I tell good quality PVCu?

A1. How do I choose the right PVCu / upvc conservatory for my home?

First consider your house. What general style of conservatory would work with your home perhaps a traditional Victorian conservatory or a more ornate Edwardian style; perhaps you - prefer something more modern and minimal. Then there´s your garden what shape is it, how do you use it, how can you make best use of the space available.

A2. Do I need planning permission when adding a PVCu / upvc conservatory to my home?

One of the great advantages of adding a PVCu / upvc conservatory to your home is that in England and Wales you won´t usually need conservatory planning permission provided you do not exceed the permitted development limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on where you live).

There are however exceptions including listed buildings and it is important to choose a conservatory company that can guide you through the whole process.

A3. Are there Building Regulations I need to consider? 

PVCu / upvc conservatories are usually exempted under Building Regulations in England and Wales although there are some exceptions (for example it should not have more than 25% of its wall as brickwork, it should have a transparent/translucent roof and no drainage is required; above 30 m2 of floor area building regulations would apply).

Please note that all PVCu / upvc conservatories on new build properties are subject to building regulations. Again, check with your installer.

A4. How do I select the right roof for my PVCu / upvc conservatory?

There are two choices for roofs – old style PVC-U externally capped roofs or advanced new aluminium-based systems. With aluminium, when you look up you´ll see lighter, slimmer and smarter roof joists on your PVCu / upvc conservatory – which means more elegance and more sunshine. The inherent strength of aluminium means you don´t need tie bars (metal cross bars) and the low maintenance polyester coated finish can simply be hosed down to clean it.

A5. What about the glazing in the roof? 

It is vital to choose the right glass for your PVCu / upvc conservatory. The first choice is simple enough; do you want to use energy efficient lightweight polycarbonate sheet or glass for your roof. If you choose glass, then there´s a range of glazing types.

Reflective insulating glazing reflects heat back into your building and is ideal for North facing rooms. Anti-solar tinted or solar shielding glazing absorbs the suns rays and is ideal for South facing installations.

And don´t forget your blinds – these can work very effectively with your glazing to create the right level of heat. Whether your adding a classic conservatory, georgian conservatory to your home do make sure to take time to choose the right glass.

A6. Is ventilation important when adding PVCu / upvc conservatories? 

Manual or electrically powered roof vents allow a fresh flow of air that releases warm air on hot days and stops the build up of condensation on cooler days. Add a ceiling fan and you can accelerate this process – expelling hot air in summer and (by reversing direction) pulling down hot air that has risen in winter.

Extractors and Air Exchange Systems add technology to these processes. Extractors reduce temperatures. While Air Exchange Systems remove stale air, add fresh air and recycle up to 60% of the heat. They can also extract moisture to avoid condensation.

A7. How should I choose the right installer?

Make sure you choose a well-established installer. Look at the paperwork and payment terms – are they reasonable? It is important that you take your time when looking at conservartory prices and terms as they should be reasonable.

Then there's the practical aspects; when can they do the job, how long will they be on-site, what disruption do they predict (for your home and garden). Make sure your PVCu / upvc conservatory installer is FENSA registered and Document L compliant – this means your PVCu / upvc conservatory will meet the latest environmental regulations.

Finally look for references; what experience does the company have and can they help you with planning permission.