This is a major decision and not to be taken lightly. To get it right means years of enjoyment and pleasure added to your home and your lifestyle. However, the last thing you want to do is spend too much money and regret the decision for years to come. Especially when it involves adding value to your home.

So how do you go about making the decision? What sort of things should you be thinking about? To start, here is a list of advice compiled from the expert interior designers, gardening experts and architects. Here are the ‘Top 10 Tips’ for choosing a UPVC Conservatory .

1: Consider the intended use of the Conservatory

What will you be using the conservatory for? A relaxing space? An extension of your living area? An office? Or a playroom perhaps? It doesn’t have to be specifically one of these categories but whatever your day-to-day plan to use the conservatory for, this will have an impact on the design. This involves how large it needs to be, the materials used to build it, which style and layout will all work best for the conservatory that you need.

2: Design and Quotation Costs

Before your conservatory decision has been made to start the build, make sure that your receive a detailed quotation that outlines the designs and specification. You should be able to see a breakdown of all the costs of the build and materials so you can see how the overall price has been put together.

3: The Cheapest isn’t always the best!

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. This certainly applies to any home extension not exclusively conservatories. If you go for the cheapest company, this doesn’t mean that the materials they use are the best nor does it mean that their expertise is any better than the competition.  A very important factor that influences your choice is the ability of your supplier to meet your target build time-scale. You don’t want something that is going to take far too long to build (meaning you miss the summer) or conversely something that is obviously put up too fast. Is the workmanship going to be reliable?

4: Your choice of materials is vital

If you think about your conservatory being a permanent structure and part of your home, then you must think that the conservatory should be made from materials that will last and also make it practical. The best frames that are used now are PVCU, which means they last longer and give greater performance. Window glazing can now come in either performance glass, clear glass or polycarbonate for the extra energy efficiency. The easier the materials are to clean, the longer they will last. If you are going for a brick base, make sure that the builder can match the brick of your house.

5: The positions is Crucial

Where you conservatory is placed around your home is vital and shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, a conservatory that faces south will get more sun then one facing north – thus there will be a need for adequate ventilation and window blinds. You might also need to regulate the temperature and therefore select glass that is designed for heat control.

6: Size Does Matter

It can be quite easy to over or underestimate the size of your conservatory design. Therefore, why not get a second opinion from a friend or relative to make sure that it is not too big and compliments your house without dominating it. A conservatory should be treated as an extension to your home and not just simply as an add-on.

7: Consider the Glazing Options

Once the design and materials for the frame have been chosen, now give some attention to the types of glazing your conservatory should have. Polycarbonate and normal glass will allow the sun to penetrate into the conservatory which means that the temperature in summer can get quite hot, like a greenhouse. In order to avoid this, try performance glass such as Celsius Plus Glass or polycarbonate with a solar reflective insert as this will also help with retaining the heat in Winter.

8: Ventilation, Ventilation, Ventilation

Without sufficient ventilation in your conservatory, you will end up with lots of condensation which might lead to more problems in the future. Having a good roofing system, such as K2 roofing, allows fresh air in without letting in anything unwanted. If your budget allows, you might want to consider fitting air conditioning or ceiling fans to help with regulating the air flow.

9: Check with the Local Authority

If you are living in England or Wales and your house is not a listed building, you will not need planning permission to build a conservatory. However, if you have any doubt about the build check with your local authority to see if this is possible. Your chosen conservatory installer should also be able to give you advice on this area.

10: Use a Professional

Probably the most important tip is always get your conservatory designed and built by a professional. You should also check the company’s references, reviews and that they have the right insurance to cover your build. When your home and lifestyle is on the line, you need to be sure that your conservatory company can deliver.