lifestylewindowsandconservatories.com top ten-tips

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lifestylewindowsandconservatories.com http://www.lifestylewindowsandconservatories.com/products/conservatories/top-ten-tips/ Top Ten Tips Styles & Colours Top Ten Tips Roof Glazing DIY Tiled Effect Roof Price Examples Specifications Replacement Roofs Catalogue Choosing the right Conservatory – 10 tips for success There’s no disguising the fact that choosing a conservatory is a major decision. Get it right and you’ll enjoy many years of enjoyment from what could be the perfect addition to your home and your lifestyle. So how do you ensure you make the right decision? Simple. You can start by reading these 10 tips compiled from our customer experience, advice from interior designers, architects and gardening experts: 1. Think about the intended use How do you envisage using your new conservatory? Will be it a play-room, a dining area, an office, a second living room or an all year round, all weather extension to the garden? Its purpose doesn’t have to fit exclusively into one of these categories, but your conservatory’s ultimate day-to-day use will determine how large it needs to be as well which style, layout and materials will work best. 2. Design and Quotation Make sure that you receive detailed designs and quotation listing all the specification; don’t be afraid to ask for the quotation breaking down so you can see how the price has been put together and how the installation will take place. 3. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest choice.

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Page 1: Lifestylewindowsandconservatories.com top ten-tips

lifestylewindowsandconservatories.comhttp://www.lifestylewindowsandconservatories.com/products/conservatories/top-ten-tips/

Top Ten Tips

Styles & Colours Top Ten Tips Roof Glazing DIY Tiled Effect Roof Price Examples Specifications ReplacementRoofs Catalogue

Choosing the right Conservatory – 10 tips for success

There’s no disguising the fact that choosing a conservatory is a major decision. Get it right and you’ll enjoy manyyears of enjoyment from what could be the perfect addition to your home and your lifestyle.

So how do you ensure you make the right decision? Simple. You can start by reading these 10 tips compiled fromour customer experience, advice from interior designers, architects and gardening experts:

1. Think about the intended use How do you envisage using your new conservatory? Will be it a play-room, a dining area, an office, a secondliving room or an all year round, all weather extension to the garden? Its purpose doesn’t have to fit exclusivelyinto one of these categories, but your conservatory’s ultimate day-to-day use will determine how large it needs tobe as well which style, layout and materials will work best.

2. Design and Quotation Make sure that you receive detailed designs and quotation listing all the specification; don’t be afraid to ask for thequotation breaking down so you can see how the price has been put together and how the installation will takeplace.

3. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest choice.

Page 2: Lifestylewindowsandconservatories.com top ten-tips

With conservatories, you tend to get what you pay for. As such, don’t automatically go for the ‘cheapest’ quoteunless the products and services provided by that specific company also happen to be better than the competition.Another important factor to consider when appointing your installer should be their ability to meet your timescales.The last thing you want is an installation that will drag on and on, leaving your home looking like a building site forweeks or even months.

4. Choose your materials wisely. The materials that make up your conservatory will have an enormous effect on its lifespan, practicality and usage.Frames tend to be PVCu for lasting performance and glazing can now be polycarbonate, clear glass orperformance glass. Choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain – you’ll be thankful for this in the long-term. Bases are typically built in stone or brick; ensure your builder can match to your existing brickwork.

5. Think about the position. Bear in mind the aspect – or position – of your conservatory. Conservatories that face south receive more sunthan those facing north and as such the need for adequate ventilation and blinds is of uppermost importance. Tohelp you regulate the temperature in a south facing conservatory, you might also want to think about using Celsiusperformance glass in the roof.

6. Size matters Once you’ve decided on the design and size of your new conservatory, get a second opinion from a friend orfamily member. Make sure your choice complements your home and has enough internal floor space to meet yourrequirements. In short, treat it as a fluid extension to your home rather than just an add-on.

7. Consider your glazing options. Carefully think about the type of glazing you’d like to use in your conservatory. Normal glass and polycarbonatewill allow solar heat to penetrate into your conservatory, potentially making the inside temperature go up during hotsummer days. To avoid this ‘greenhouse’ effect, whilst reducing heat loss in winter, opt for a performance glasssuch as Celsius Plus or a polycarbonate with a solar reflective insert. Nowadays, there is a wide variety ofconservatory double glazed window styles and designs which use performance glass so take your time to selectthe one that meets your requirements.

8. Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation.To help prevent the build of condensation in your conservatory, you need to ensure it has adequate ventilation.The K2 roof vent lets fresh air in whilst keeping the elements and insects out. As an alternative, you could alsoconsider roof fans or an air conditioning unit if your budget will stretch to it.

9. Check with your local authority. If you’re building a conservatory in England or Wales, you will not usually need planning permission (unless yourproperty is listed, in a conservation area or it has already been extended). However it is always better to be safethan sorry. If you’re in any doubt, check as early as you can with your local authority or your chosen installer aboutthis and any relevant building regulations.

10. Call on the professionals. Finally, always get your conservatory professionally designed and installed. Also be sure to use vetted installerswho offer an insurance backed guarantee. With such a major and prized investment, it’s simply not worth takingthe risk!