Re: Conservatory planning

[David Yeend <david.yeend@xxxxxxxxx>]

I had a 4 * 4 conservatory about 4/5 years ago and feel I learnt a few
things which are obviously just my personal opinion:

The situation was that it became an integral part of the house. It filled
in
an unused corner and became the exit to the rear garden. Backed onto the
kitchen and went on to the side of a single story extension. It had a
sloped
roof to all sides 'Victorian' style I think. It was open to the rest of the
house permanently.

1. Glass roof - not noisy during rain - very important as we could not
close
it off from the rest of the house. Much quieter than poly roofed ones we
have visited. Cleaning requirements were greater than for poly roof owners
we know.

2. Did not bother with 'K' glass but got heat reflective blinds. The saving
on the glass contributed towards the blinds if budget was not an issue
would
probably have gone for it.

3. Blinds - just the roof for heat loss and comfort as not overlooked to
sides. Thomas Sanderson was v.expensive. Used a local supplier who
purchased
from a 3rd party - think the manufacturer was in Northampton or Nottingham
but not too sure. Went for box section heat reflective - seemed identical
to
TS and had no problems; they did not droop, sag or stop working . Current
owner has never mentioned anything so guess they are happy (or polite).

4. Roofline - it is a term that means the roof struts line up with the
verticals in the sides/front. I missed that one and wished I had understood
and asked for it.

5. Heating - beware the FENSA heat loss regs have an effect here (if you
heat it I think the regs are more stringent)- not 100% sure on the detail
as
ours was prior to this however it was a pain in the ass for sale. Even
though we had proof that we were prior to the regs coming into force every
solicitor involved in our sale (for our various purchasers) wanted to sell
us an indemnity that our solicitor said was not necessary - sale almost
fell
through because of it!

6. Personal hate - windows with strange reflections! Not sure if this was
just due to v.cheap double glazed units but ours seemed
like walking through a fair ground funny house. The reflections were warped
(or perhaps that is just me) as you looked across the windows which was
very
odd at night. I have been in others that did not do this so put it down to
the 'no longer in business' supplier palming us off with rubbish!

Hope that helps and best of luck!

David

On 1/11/06, Tim Fletcher <timfletcher@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> We are planning build of a 6 x 3M Glass roofed conservatory on the
back of
> my house - as this is the planning stage I am keen not to
overlook/omit
> anything.  I guess once finished we will need audio, lighting and
power.
>
> If anyone has any groovy suggestions - or Gotchas to avoid I'd
appreciate
> knowing.
>
>
> BTW anyone know what is the going rate for a professionally installled
> K-glass roofed UPVC conservatory - I don't want to get ripped off!
>
> TIA
>
> Tim.
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


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