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Home extensions and renovations >
Conservatories: running the project

Home extensions and renovations Conservatories: running the project

Which? Archive

This article, Home extensions and renovations, was last updated on 10 July 2008 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Home & garden articles.

Check planning regulations before you start

Building a conservatory is a complicated endeavour. Follow this step-by-step guide to stay in control of the project.

Check planning permission and building regulations
Clear the site for the base
Relocate obstacles such as down pipes from the guttering, or boiler flues on the house walls
Create the base that the conservatory is built on
Build up any inspection chambers that lie within the base area and fit them with double-seal covers
Erect and secure the conservatory modules on the base
Fit the external doorframe
Assemble and install the roof frame
First fix electrics, plumbing, heating, telecoms
Glaze the roof and ensure it has a weatherproof join to the home
Fit the window glass
Hang the external doors
Create an entrance, if required, to the conservatory from your property
Second fix electrics, plumbing, heating, telecoms
Add gutters, down pipes and connect into existing gullies or new soakaways
Decorate and furnish

If you are fitting doors out to the garden from the conservatory, try to make sure they are at one end, or at least opening outwards out on the garden (rather than into the conservatory), so that you maximise the use of the space.

Choosing a contractor

When choosing a conservatory company, make sure they are a member of FENSA and if possible the Conservatory Association, or are a Guild Approved Ultra Frame Installer. Make sure that they have a code of practice that they adhere to. Ideally this should include a third-party complaints procedure, which has the strength to arbitrate on a financial settlement, not just threaten to remove the company from the association.