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CONSERVATORIES: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

If you are a homeowner, you may be trying to find ways to add value to your property. From new windows and doors to full single storey conversions, UK homeowners are fixated on home improvements - especially as we come to the end of the effects of the pandemic.  Conservatories are often considered a great investment and have the ability to completely transform your property into a dream home. However, with many different styles of conservatory to choose from, and so many more building options than you may at first think, it can be quite overwhelming knowing where to start. If you are thinking about having a conservatory installed, the Brackenwood team have put together this guide with everything you could possibly need to know. 

The benefits of a conservatory

The first question on your mind is probably, ’why should I install a conservatory in the first place?’. Well, this investment can easily provide you with the ideal space you have been looking for, allowing you to curate a space which suits your needs and requirements as a household perfectly. Conservatories are truly one of the best ways to change your property to suit the way you live, without leaving the home you love. But, what other benefits are there? 

  • More natural light

Natural light is known for its endless benefits. It is known to improve productivity, so if you are planning on using the space as a work-from-home area, the naturally lit space will help you be more productive than an artificially lit work environment. Sunlight also causes our brains to produce serotonin, a hormone that can improve your mood by alleviating pain, providing energy and making us feel happy and well-rested. In general, your naturally-lit conservatory will help to create a healthier, happier, more comfortable and more sustainable home. 

  • Adds value to your home

Depending on how well the property’s addition fits with its surroundings, by adding a conservatory this can potentially add around 7% in value to your home. Although you may not benefit from this straight away, if you decide to sell your home in the future, you will usually make your money back on when it comes to selling up, your investment could become a crucial selling point for many potential buyers and increase the amount of interest that the property attracts from potential buyers.

  • Connects your home with your garden 

A well positioned conservatory can easily impart a seamless transition from your home into the outside world. If you love spending time in your garden, a conservatory is a great way to connect the outside with the inside, so it’s a space you are guaranteed to love. You can connect with your garden all-year-round, even during the chilly winter months, with the indoor and outdoor barrier broken down with the stunning glass walls of your conservatory. Rain or shine, your conservatory will make you feel closer to nature.

  • Energy efficient

These spaces are designed to regulate their temperature all year round, so a conservatory would be a great energy-efficient addition for your home. With the sunlight automatically adding warmth to the space, and double glazing keeping in the warmth during winter, your conservatory will help any household take that additional step towards environmentally-friendly living, which is both more cost-effective and kinder to our planet. 

The different types of conservatories

To comfortably make the right design choice for your conservatory, it’s important for you to understand the fundamental styles you can choose from. Your final decision is going to depend on your personal taste, the size and position of your home, and what you intend to use your conservatory for. 

Victorian conservatory

With a ridged roof and a multi-faceted end wall, a Victorian conservatory is a more classic design which has derived from the original ornate glass structures that were introduced to Britain in the late 1800s. Seen as the pinnacle of architectural style, the Victorian era has had an influence on many of our modern design choices. If you are looking to add charm and character to a property, a Victorian conservatory is perfect for a traditional style house. Here at Brackenwood, this style of conservatory comes under our classic offerings, offering practical and straightforward solutions. 

Edwardian conservatory

The style of an Edwardian conservatory gives the classical feel of the Victorian design, but maximises more of the available space, allowing you to make the most of your conservatory if you need the extra room. This style of conservatory is one of the most popular in the UK, as they blend modern architectural techniques with traditional Victorian elements, allowing the design to suit almost any home. Available in uPVC, aluminium and timber, the Brackenwood team can guide you through your dream home journey and have Edwardian conservatory options to suit your style and budget.

Lean-to conservatory

If you have been dreaming about your own mediterranean sunroom, the lean-to conservatory would be the perfect option for you. The elegant design with fine lines adds a contemporary glass structure to any home, being well-suited well-suited to properties that have a low roofline or a small outdoor space. By contacting Brackenwood for your lean-to conservatory, our design experts will work with you and your family to create a totally bespoke solution that works perfectly for you.

Gable-end conservatory

This style of conservatory has an upright roof, giving the space an open and light feel, with each side of the roof rising to the centre. Thanks to this pitched roof elevation, this style is bound to engross the property with plenty of natural light, truly connecting the outside with your interior. Gable conservatories beautifully complement homes with high ceilings, and even bungalows. From choosing your preferred roof type, to doors and window frames, Brackenwood can help you design a versatile and practical space which suits both traditional and modern properties.   

Orangery 

This extension and conservatory hybrid offers the best of both worlds, consisting of solidly built walls, pillars and glass which is finished with a glazed roof and decorative pelmet. Much like a traditional extension, orangeries tend to be more integrated with the rest of the property, offering more flexibility in the style and design. It’s more substantial than a conservatory and there are endless opportunities on how you can use the space, with Brackenwood’s craftsmanship allowing you to benefit from heightened standards of accessibility and practicality.

Questions to answer before installing a conservatory

As I’m sure you know by now, building a conservatory is a home upgrade that is guaranteed to come alongside a wealth of benefits, but there are still some questions you need to consider beforehand to ensure you plan well and hire the right professional team for the project. 

  • How will you use the conservatory?

Is this going to be your new home office? Or the kids' play room? Or an extension of the kitchen? By answering this big question on how the space will be used, this will dictate what materials you use, as well as the roof, and what design you decide to go with. Although conservatories can serve as a functioning room all year round, by having its exact purpose in mind, you may be able to tailor the design further to ensure it meets your exact needs. 

  • Do you need planning permission?

Planning permission takes time, so it’s important to take this into consideration, even if you don’t think it will be required for your project. By working with Brackenwood, or another specialist conservatory company, we can discuss the various conservatory options we can offer you and guide you through the planning permission process, if this is required. The good news is, unless your home is listed or in a preservation area, you are unlikely to require planning permission to add a conservatory, up to a certain size.

  • Where is the conservatory going to go?

This might seem obvious, but it’s essential that you take this into consideration when planning your home improvement project. For example, if your conservatory is going to be north-facing, you may need to consider installing a heating system, as the space can get colder in the winter.  Alternatively, if the conservatory would be south-facing, you may want to add skylights if you want a solid roof to allow in more natural light. Integrated blinds and air conditioning systems are also great solutions for when it all gets a bit too hot, as this is likely to happen in the warmer months. 

  • Which conservatory company are you going to work with?

Choosing the right team to help you with the project is essential to the success of your new investment. If you’re looking for one company that is able to help with everything from organising planning permission to the final installation, you need to find a team who can handle all aspects of the project, without any issues. By looking at reviews, testimonials and extensive research to ensure that a company is capable of the high standards you’re looking for.    

Conclusion

Whenever you’re looking for a conservatory company in Hampshire, Berkshire or Surrey, be sure to contact Brackenwood, as you can trust that you will be in the best hands with our talented, knowledgeable and experienced team. You can rely on us to provide you with a cost-effective solution that is perfect for you and your family.