How to choose a Conservatory
With our inconsistent British summer it’s no surprise that many of us are looking for ways to enjoy our weekends without the rain putting a dampener on our plans.
As much as we wish we could stay outside all summer long enjoying the sunshine and indulging in a BBQ or two, there often comes a time when we’re racing inside to dodge the down pour.
Of course we’ve all had visions of moving abroad to hotter climates, but a much more cost effective method than moving is simply making your home more suitable for your needs.
A conservatory is a popular addition to a home, and enables us to make the most of the garden and the outside world, without having to actually be out there.
Whether it’s raining or not, a conservatory can create a space for you to sit back and relax, with the same sense and feeling as being outside. Allowing you to miss out on all the nasties that come with Mother Nature including the pesky bugs and the annoying hay fever.
Our need for bigger kitchens or an informal living area, has meant that there’s been a growing trend for both orangeries and conservatories across the UK, with an estimated 18% of households having a conservatory in 2013 alone, this number has been slowly on the increase over the past 2 years.
After all it’s not just our own comfort that a conservatory can add to, but also to a potential buyer if you’re looking to sell.
A new conservatory can add an extra £30,000 to a home’s value, which is double that of a bathroom or kitchen.
It’s not just for your own satisfaction, consider it as investment if you imagine yourself to be moving in a few years time.
With such a variety now available to suit your home, we’ve created a guide to help you choose a conservatory that not only fits your home but also your lifestyle.
Ask Yourself Some Questions
Like with any big project that you take on, it’s always best to ask yourself a few questions about what it is that you really want.
What’s the end goal of this new addition?
What is it that you’re hoping to change about your home?
Even just these two questions will soon get your mind going as to what it is that you want from this costly investment.
Knowing what you want is essential is you’re going to be working with trade professionals who will be building your dream. You can’t expect them to know what to do if you don’t have any ideas about your vision.
So do as much as you can to think about how you wish for it to work, and maybe even go as far as creating some mood boards and collating some pictures to help show them as much as possible what is that you want.
Conservatory or Orangery
This is a common question that we’re asked and truly it’s something that we know isn’t all that clear. You’re not alone in your confusion, so let us explain the difference without all the jargon that you can often find on the internet.
An orangery is an old-fashioned term for the adaptation of your home to let in more light. Most often by adding a ‘lantern’ skylight into your ceiling, within the original house structure along with windows.
This enabled 17th-19th century wealthy families to grow the orange trees in their homes that were becoming increasingly popular during the centuries.
Orangeries use mostly existing brick work or new brick work but with the addition of long windows.
A conservatory on the other hand is a bi-product of the orangery, but most often used as an extension with far more glass, for example a completely glass roof. The idea being that you feel like you’re outside, but you’re not!
Traditional
If you have an older property we would always suggest that you choose something in keeping with the style of the house, especially as that can help the planning permission process go a little more smoothly.
Conservatories in Edwardian and Victorian styles are the most popular for older buildings, and these are perfect in keeping with the English Heritage feel of your home.
Traditional styles can often come at a higher price as the materials can become quite costly, but once completed they can be a flawless addition that brings added elegance to your home.
If you can, opt for a bespoke conservatory that caters more to your home’s current style, as this can ensure that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb against the older brick work.
It may cost a little extra but we’ve seen ourselves the beauty that they can bring in creating a seamless transition from inside to outside, making it look as though it was there all along.
Modern
More light is something that all we all crave in our homes, and this is exactly why conservatory extensions are so popular.
With more modern conservatories there is far more options available in regards to the materials and the artistic feel of the design.
You can have far more creative freedom than you would with an older property, so the ideas are in your hands.
Sympathetically designed structures work well if they’re executed properly, and we’ve had the privilege of working on some stunning conservatories that have changed the lives of many of our customers.
From helping them have an almost ‘al-fresco’ dining experience, to creating a destination for the entire family to enjoy. The added space can be whatever you need it to be.
If you’re considering a conservatory as this year’s summer project, why not call our friendly and knowledgeable team today who can give you all the advice and guidance that you need to choose the right one for your home.