DIY Conservatories – Why a self-build conservatory could save you money

A conservatory, sun lounge, or orangery, is a feature that many home-owners, especially in cooler climates, want to add to their homes as it is a way of extending their homes into the outside, but with the benefits of fully weather-proofed, enclosed, space that can be heated and cooled when required.

However a full conservatory installation can be a very expensive acquisition, costing many thousands. One way to help reduce this cost is to consider a DIY (do-it-yourself) or self-build approach.

Depending on the degree of self-build that is undertaken, the cost of installation can be reduced in a number of areas, including:

• Design costs

• Surveyor's costs

• Groundwork/preparation cost

• Contractor/Installation costs

• Finishing costs

Unless equipped with the necessary design skills, undertaking the design of a complex, custom conservatory is probably not a good idea, even for an enthusiastic DIY'er. However that is not an insurmountable barrier as there are many standard designs, including Victorian, Edwardian, contemporary, and basic “lean-to” to choose from, and there is usually several designs suitable for most types of houses.

Unless there are unusual external features in the area planned for the conservatory, or for the conservatory itself, it is usually possible for a competent person to complete the necessary measurements required to determine the dimensions and groundwork requirements.

The preparation and installation of the groundwork usually requires accurate measurement and positioning of guidelines, the digging of foundations, the pouring of a concrete slab, and the building of walls, either full height or “dwarf walls” to which the conservatory frame is attached.

As the biggest ways of saving money come from cutting out the sales commission from a fully installed conservatory, the surveyor's costs and the profit from a contractor, it is possible to consider a mix-and-match approach to a self-build project and only take on some of the tasks. One way of doing this for example would be buy a DIY conservatory on a supply-only basis and then hire a contractor to undertake all the necessary construction and installation work. This would eliminate the sales commission and other “middle-man” costs, but still not require any DIY activity.

The split of effort can occur anywhere along the purchase and installation, so a contractor could be hired for just the foundations, any bricklaying, installation of lighting, heating or cooling or any combination of the above. Even just taking on the decoration could help reduce the final cost.

As with most projects involving outside building work, the best time to buy a self-build conservatory is in the winter, when fewer people are considering building work, especially that which involves opening up holes in exterior walls. Remember that quoted prices are always negotiable, so get two or three quotes and then start to negotiate with the potential suppliers.

However do also remember that you do often get what you pay for, so take care to understand the specifications of the conservatory, particularly the quality of the materials, and any accessories chosen. If money is being saved elsewhere, it is worthwhile putting a little more into the materials to ensure value for money.

Once the basic style choices are made (e.g. Victorian or Contemporary), the next key decision is the frame material, uPVC or wood. Both have different benefits and disadvantages in terms of maintenance, and sometimes aesthetic appeal, particularly when considering the match to existing window styles.

Although polycarbonate can be specified, glass is usually using for the glazing, typically double glazed units. Here again there are a number of choices to be made depending on budget, including self-cleaning glass, or heat reduction glass, which is often used for the roof of a conservatory to prevent it becoming an oven in hot weather.

For the summer months especially, consider the ventilation requirements, either from roof vents or increasing the numbers of opening doors. The latter approach can increase the feel of openness of the room. If heat is likely to be significant problem then consider air-conditioning, but ensure any higher rated power cables for the compressor are installed during the early phases of construction.

For the cooler months heating is likely to be necessary to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. There are obviously a number of ways to install heating, but underfloor heating can be particularly comfortable with a stone floor. A concrete floor will also help store heat overnight.

Whatever approach is taken to DIY conservatory installation, the end result of a self-build project is additional usable living space that can be a value adding feature to a home.