Conservatory installers in Surbiton
Adding a new conservatory is an exciting time for any household, and planning is everything. If your conservatory doesn’t serve its purpose, or is incorrectly positioned, you could end up with a useless room that’s uncomfortable, unattractive and cramped.
When you begin to plan the conservatory, bear all of these factors in mind.
Location, Location, Location
Your conservatory should be positioned to give you a great view of the garden. You’ll need access directly from the house, which probably means you’ll have to place the conservatory behind an existing doorway – or lose part of a wall for a new door.
Remember that any north facing conservatory could be chilly in the winter months, so you will need some kind of heating, although your conservatory should remain cool in the hotter periods. If your conservatory will be south facing, you’ll need suitable glass so that it doesn’t become stuffy in summer.
Size
If you plan to use your conservatory as a breakfast room, we recommend that it measures at least 3m square to give everybody space to move around. If you can go bigger, you could use the conservatory for two different purposes, perhaps as an office and a snug.
Shape is important too; for eating, a rectangular shape is more practical than a square. The roof will also need a decent slope on it so that rain and dirt drains away; otherwise, it will look grubby without frequent cleaning. You’ll need planning for unusually high conservatories, so don’t be overly ambitious.
Usage
What do you plan to use your conservatory for? If you want to eat and entertain there, face it west to benefit from the setting sun; if it will be a playroom, you’ll need good ventilation and visibility. Consider lighting as part of the plan, since a room that’s going to be used at night may benefit from extra plug sockets for lamps.
Remember that conservatories have to have external doors, which may be a problem if you prefer an open plan layout. Factor in how the room will flow, and avoid having any door opening in to a small space.
Shade
Most conservatories benefit from blinds, either for privacy or for shade from the sun. Factor in the cost of blinds and ventilation and bear in mind how the sun will move over the course of a day.
If there are trees and bushes close to the site, it may be best to have these removed or substantially trimmed back prior to installation. Otherwise, falling branches can break glass, and leaves can make cleaning a much more arduous task.
Alternatives to Conservatories
If you just need somewhere to sling the tumble dryer, a conservatory may be overkill, and you could be better off with a simple porch or a more basic lean-to style conservatory. Another option is a sun room or orangery.
However, if you’re stuck with planning and you need a helping hand, get in touch with Hamiltons. We’ve fitted thousands of conservatories for happy customers, and we understand the benefits and pitfalls that could make or break your new room.
