Conservatories are the epitome of modern living, but did you know that the earliest known conservatories date back to the 17th century? Back then, they were typically used by the scientific community and nobility to protect and grow exotic plants that would normally struggle in the colder English climate. Conservatories have evolved since then, usually being used as an extension to a house and are gaining in popularity; a recent survey by Kingfisher found that a conservatory is the top of homeowner’s wish lists for home improvements.
If you’re interested in investing in your home and building a conservatory, we’ve outlined some of the things that you need to consider before you begin.
How much garden do you want to keep?
Usually a conservatory will be extended into the garden; so whilst a conservatory is a great addition to your home, you should consider at what cost to your garden space. Consider how important the extra room is versus how important your garden is in your life; if you are going to use the room on a daily basis, when the garden only gets used in the summer months, you might be willing to sacrifice some more garden space by putting up a larger conservatory.
What will the conservatory be used for?
Before building your conservatory, have a purpose for the room in mind. For example, if you want to use it as an office, you might need additional electrical outputs to plug in your computer or laptop; if you’re going to use it as a dining room, you might need wooden floors; a lounge or sun room might mean you put in blinds and vents to help regulate the temperature. Having a clear idea at the start of the project will help you shape the room and avoid costly changes down the line.
When will you use your conservatory?
This is another important question to ask yourself; will you use your conservatory all year or only in the spring/summer or autumn/winter? This will help you when you plan your conservatory and build. For example, if you’re going to use your conservatory all year or in the autumn/winter, you might consider under floor heating, portable heaters or an extension from your central heating. If you’re using it in the spring/summer, you might want to consider purchasing blinds to help block UV rays and trap heat.
Do you need planning permission?
Make sure you do your research to see if you need planning permission. Whilst you won’t always need permission for a conservatory, it will depend on the size and how it’s built. It’s always worth checking with planning to see if you do need permission and ensure that you submit your proposal if you do.
Does it match the rest of your house?
Your conservatory should be a seamless extension to your existing home; not something that dominates and makes the rest of your house look small. Make sure you fully consider how it will fit in with the rest of your rooms, how you’ll get to your conservatory and how your home will flow. If your home has a cottagey feel, and your conservatory is very modern, you might need to consider how you link the two rooms together to ensure that they compliment each other.
Conservatories are a great way to extend your home, give you more space and add value. If you’re interested in investing in your home and building a conservatory, get in touch with us to find out how we can help you at info@acorn.je or call us on 01534 618628