Conservatory

Aruffell

Aruffell

Aruffell

Soldato
Joined
29 Dec 2004
Posts
5,653
Location
Chatham, Kent
As explained in other threads, we're moving into our new property around June time if things go to plan and it's completed on time. As it's a new build, we're looking at doing the garden from scratch as it has nothing in it apart from some slabs and some top soil so we thought that it was a prime time to look at putting a conservatory in.

So far we've only spoken to one company (Fine-Line) who have quoted us £40,000 but am thinking as they are a big company, maybe this is on the expensive side of things?

I called Everest, but they won't do any quotes until we actually physically own the property, so I'm guessing they don't want our business. I'm only after some rough estimates.

Our property is 8.7 metres wide so wanted the conservatory to be the same width and was looking at coming out around 3.8 metres, so that we fall under 30 metres squared for internal space, meaning we don't have to adhere to regulations etc...

Any ideas on getting quotes for this? I honestly wasn't expecting it to be so expensive and was honestly thinking it would be around £20,000 or so but we are toying with the idea of bi-folding doors which I know add onto the cost.

Would independents be cheaper than a mainstream company such as Everest or Fine-Line or would we be better off going with a large trusted company like that?

Also, does anyone know the situation with having underfloor heating in a conservatory? Any regulations in place, as from what I can find, it's a bit of a grey area.

Thanks,

Andy
 
Depennding on what you want you may find self build is a much more economic and sensible option. The big suppliers all want to sell you something that suits their manufacturing processes.

A friend of mine sorted the footings himself, built a 1 m single skin wall (3 sides) posts at the door and corners and then a beam across the front. He then attached a beam to the wall and rested the roof beams on that then used hollow cell polycarbonate clear roofing panels. The sides he filled with off the shelf double glazed window units and an off the shelf pre-hung double glazed door. It feels very homely and much more a part of the house than all glass conservatories have done in my experience.

Because he has installed and fitted the beams himself they are nice chunky cross section wooden beams which proveds a good anchoring surface for blinds, lighting, decorations etc. I also very much doubt they paid anywhere near £40k.
 
Don't bother with a conservatory, it's very difficult to get the temperature right as the glass doesn't offer any insulation in the water and makes it like an oven in the winter.I'd put the money towards other improvements or a proper extension personally.
 
Adam said:
Don't bother with a conservatory, it's very difficult to get the temperature right as the glass doesn't offer any insulation in the water and makes it like an oven in the winter.I'd put the money towards other improvements or a proper extension personally.
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Will be adding underfloor heating as the rest of the downstairs will have it anyway.
 
Aruffell said:
Will be adding underfloor heating as the rest of the downstairs will have it anyway.
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And what happens when you turn the under floor heating on? The heat goes up and through the glass windows/roof.

£40k is stupid money but even at £10k/20k I don't think they are great value for money.
 
Adam said:
And what happens when you turn the under floor heating on? The heat goes up and through the glass windows/roof.

£40k is stupid money but even at £10k/20k I don't think they are great value for money.
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UFH doesn't quite work like that. It's more to take the chill off through your feet.
 
Build it yourself, upvc is so simple, there are manufacturers that will deal direct with you. It would work out a lot cheaper in the end!
 
Get some quotes from some local firms, will be much cheaper. Safestyle refused to quote once for new windows as it wasn't for the whole house. Well they sent a bloke round but he made his excuses and left.
 
Adam said:
Don't bother with a conservatory, it's very difficult to get the temperature right as the glass doesn't offer any insulation in the water and makes it like an oven in the winter.I'd put the money towards other improvements or a proper extension personally.
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I'd echo the above. A proper room with decent windows, skylight and some nice doors would be much more preferable and while I'd imagine more expensive than a conservatory, it SHOULD be a damn sight less than £40k!
 
jellybeard999 said:
I'd echo the above. A proper room with decent windows, skylight and some nice doors would be much more preferable and while I'd imagine more expensive than a conservatory, it SHOULD be a damn sight less than £40k!
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But surely would involve planning permission?

This is the type of thing I was looking to have done - http://imgur.com/a/gG0tM

Would be around 30 square metres in total size.

Thanks,

Andy
 
Aruffell said:
But surely would involve planning permission?

This is the type of thing I was looking to have done - http://imgur.com/a/gG0tM

Would be around 30 square metres in total size.

Thanks,

Andy
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Just get planning permission if so; might cost you a few hundred £ and a few weeks of waiting, but at least you'll get what you want.

P.s. You can't ignore Building Regulations as per your first post, regardless of size.
 
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Another vote not to build a conservatory. Cold in the winter and in the summer unless you open the windows (not a good idea when you are out or away) it will get very hot.

Under floor heating does heat rooms and very effectively, its not just a gimmick so that you can have warm feet!
 
I got quoted £25k for an 7x4m conservatory from a local firm including all footings, walls, electrics etc. Ended up binning the idea as we already had a smaller one we hardly used due to heat/cold etc in summer and winter. Went with a proper extension, it's now the most used room in the house!
 
The U factor of double / triple glazing isnt as bad as everyone thinks.

Ive got a conservatory (5.5m x 4m) It has 2 brick walls and plastic panel roof/glass front and its brilliant. Couple small rads in there and its been fine over the winter.
 
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