Ensure all bases are covered when considering a new conservatory for your home
The prospect of adding a conservatory is never anything less than a big decision – That’s why at Elitis we’ve put together the 20 questions you should be asking, to ensure you’re along the right track!
1. What’s the biggest benefit to adding a conservatory?
The simple addition of a conservatory into the home helps introduce some much appreciated living space. They are a versatile alternative to building a full-scale extension that can function as a purposeful room for use as a playroom, dining area and more.
2. How much does a conservatory cost?
Typically, most conservatories will vary in price between £10,000 – £100,000 and sometimes more. Cost largely depends on the various aspects of benefit to you, such as size, material, complexity of design, roof material, glazing quality and more.
3. What is the best type of conservatory?
The type of conservatory that best suits you is entirely subjective. Whilst there are certain conservatory styles such as Victorian that fit in with most types of home, Lean-to conservatories suit those with limited space and shaped conservatories are perfect for those wanting to create multiple sections to the space. Conservatories as with most home design aspects, are subjective.
4. Why can I not get a price for my conservatory online?
Because conservatories are so subjective in terms of their multiple design capabilities, online tools are simply incapable of providing an accurate cost price for your desired conservatory. In order to allow installers to save surprising you with a price, discussing your specific wants and needs is always the best option.
5. Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
By and large conservatories do not require traditional planning permission providing that they are constructed within a certain size limit. As a general rule, conservatories that cover over half of your garden will require permission, those that don’t will not. In the Elitis range of conservatories we have many that are already building regulations approved.
6. Do I actually need a brand new conservatory?
If you’re a homeowner already enjoying the unique benefits of an existing conservatory but are suffering from general discomfort of not being able to use them as much as you’d like, it may not be necessary to replace your entire structure. In many cases, a high quality replacement roof can help render older conservatories more useable once again. So sometimes an upgrade rather than a replacement can often be more cos-effective.
7. What’s the difference between a conservatory and orangery?
Both conservatories and orangeries were originally installed by the wealthy to house citrus plants and protect them from the elements, nowadays both are used as an additional living environment for homeowners to use as they wish. The difference comes from the fact that conservatories typically utilise more glazing as opposed to an orangery that feature a more solid surrounding through brickwork.
8. How can I tell if a conservatory installer is reliable?
There are various industry renowned organisations that serve to highlight reliable and trustworthy installers and home improvement companies with their recognisable seal of approval. Elitis for example garners accreditation from the GGF, BSI, BFRC and SBD to guarantee homeowners industry approved products and high quality service.
9. Are conservatories high maintenance?
One of the greatest benefits any modern day conservatory has to offer is that the materials they utilise never demand large levels of upkeep or maintenance. By and large, the higher quality your conservatory is the longer it will last, giving you complete peace of mind.
10. How often will my conservatory need cleaning?
Depending on the climate and area you reside in, you can clean your conservatory as often or as little as you’d like. Especially when opting for a modern conservatory that incorporates self-cleaning glass, the natural heat of the sun will help burn off any dirt so the rain can wash it away, only ever requiring you to clean the frames with a simple wipe down.
11. What is my conservatory covered against?
The type of guarantee and protection available with your new conservatory will be largely dependent on your chosen manufacturer, supplier and installers. Every conservatory provided by Elitis comes with a 15-year written product guarantee as standard, allowing homeowners to buy with confidence. Industry standard guarantees tend to be ten years.
12. Can I use my conservatory all year round?
Modern day conservatories have come on leaps and bounds when compared to those first installed over three decades ago. Whereas previously conservatories would only remain comfortable in either the spring or summer, the introduction of energy efficient glazing and more effective roofing systems ensures the space will always remain warm and inviting throughout the year.
13. How long does a conservatory installation take?
The time it takes to complete your conservatory simply depends on the overall complexity of the design. Long waits in time can depend on a variety of factors including, ordering certain parts, acquiring planning permission and part manufacturing – Once the pieces are set, a standard conservatory should never take more than a week to install.
14. Will my conservatory be made to order?
Yes – because each of our conservatories although based on set designs are tailor-made specifically to your needs, all are engineered and manufactured on a customer by customer basis. This allows for a great degree of personalisation and much more design capability.
15. How do I clean my conservatory?
Cleaning your conservatory couldn’t be easier due to modern material development. Should your PVCu or aluminium frames surrounding the space every becoming dusty or dirtied, simply wipe down with a cloth with possibly soapy water should it be necessary.
16. Can I implement a conservatory if I live in a conservation area?
If you’re a homeowner lucky enough to live in a conservation area, one of the small annoyances will be that when wanting to add a conservatory planning permission is often unavoidable. Not only must you consider traditional aspects such as size, shape and height, but material factors play a big part in maintaining the character or your property.
17. Which windows and doors can be used in my conservatory?
The beauty of modern conservatories is their versatile ability to accommodate almost any style of window or door to more easily result in an extension uniquely tailored to you. In recent years, bi-folding and sliding patio doors have become a popular choice thanks to their ability to incorporate large glass panels in keeping with the rest of your conservatory’s design.
18. What is the best material for a conservatory?
Much like modern windows and doors, conservatories can equally be manufactured in all classic material options, namely: PVCu and aluminium. Each have their own bespoke advantages in terms of both style, performance and sustainability – what material is best will be subjective to your needs.
19. Do I need ventilation in my conservatory?
The amount of both air and light your conservatory will be able to enjoy is somewhat dependant on whether it will be North or South facing. In general, yes most conservatories will need adequate ventilation not only for your comfort but to ensure solar gain is properly managed, yet this is only a factor to consider during the day period.
20. How many design options do I have over my conservatory?
Conservatories unlike windows and doors are quite possibly the greatest opportunity for homeowners to more easily personalise their home both inside and out. With various colour finishes that include woodgrain textures, a new conservatory can project any sense of style you like whether it’s in-keeping with your home’s existing aesthetic or something entirely distinctive.
Elitis can help you complete your home improvement journey
Offering homes high performance conservatories since 1976, at Elitis we’ve seen the product develop and evolve into something which truly no modern home should see itself without. However simple or complex your desired conservatory project, we will always work closely with you from inception to completion to ensure that satisfaction is always guaranteed.
For more answers to any questions, comments or concerns we haven’t addressed or to generally discover more about the benefits of adding a conservatory, call us on 08009 533633 or enquire with us today.
Areas we serve
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Crewe
- Macclesfield
- Chester
- Shewsbury
- Stafford
- Stone
- Sandbach
- Newcastle-Under-Lyme