Self Build or DIY Conservatory
DIY Conservatory
Types of conservatoryExperience Required for a DIY conservatoryHow long will it take?Who can supply my DIY conservatory
How much will it cost?ConclusionsWhy DIY conservatory
A conservatory is a relatively easy way to add some more room to your home. If designed and built correctly it can be a wonderful addition, being a room that is light and warm on a dark winter day and cool and on a summers eve. However they are expensive, likely to be the second highest expenditure after a house purchase you'll ever make. Is there an alternative to getting in a company to build it for you? Can I have something that is exactlyWell yes you could do it yourself. What are the pro's and con's of a self-build conservatory, what's the procedure and how much money will it save me?
Types of conservatory
There are four main types of conservatory to choose from
More bespoke designs may combine aspects from any or all the these three.
Planning Permission
Under UK planning law you are allowed to build a conservatory on the side of your house if the build and design follows certain rules and regulations. These rules are set out in another article on the whatprice site called conservatory planning permission. If in any doubt seek advice from the local planning office.
Experience Required for a DIY conservatory
This isn't some self-assembly chest of drawers from IKEA where the hardest thing you'll have to do is read the instructions, it's a proper building job and should be taken seriously.
If you are typically no good at DIY then why are you even considering it? You should be competent or know someone who is good with their hands and experienced at bricklaying and confident in taking on such a big job. Yes, I know its not quite up there with building a house but its not a Saturday afternoon lawn cut either! There may also be some plumbing involved (if you plan on extending the household central heating system into the conservatory for winter heating) and almost certainly electrical work. Under January 2005 guidelines the electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician anyway.Building Work Involved
A standard conservatory that is built by a specialist conservatory installation company will attach the timer or PVC-u framework onto a dwarf-wall or base. Whilst this is possible in DIY conservatories you can also buy ones that basically are bolted down onto the floor. Therefore, the work schedule varies for different types and builds.
The company that you buy the DIY conservatory from should provide you with complete plans and a to do list. But roughly should comprise of:- Unless you are really confident in what you are doing get in a professional builder to complete this part of the project.
- Expect most of the conservatory framework to be easy to assemble but some holes will need to be drilled and items cut to length to exactly meet the needs of your design and site layout. The items when assembled will be heavy and so are recommended as at least a two-person lift. Also some of the work will require the use of ladders and so you must be confident at working at height. To finish off the framework you will need to seal around certain areas.
- Presumably you will want some lighting in the room and maybe a fan or sockets fitted. This will require getting a qualified electrician in, unless you your-self are qualified.
- If you wish the room to be heated off the main central heating system or perhaps to have under-floor heating then you will need to think about the plumbing.
- Either a carpet or more likely a wooden or tiled floor will be laid onto the concrete base. Are you confident in these tasks?
- Perhaps the simplest of the jobs? One of the walls will likely be brick but a nice feature is to plasterboard over it and paint it to make the conservatory seem more like a very well lit indoor room than a glass house.
How long will it take?
Depends. Obviously the bigger and more complicated it is the longer it will take. Not including the time to build any dwarf-wall (if needed) it will probably take between 4 and 6 days, but be prepared to take your time and get it right first time. Mistakes can be costly.
Who can supply my DIY conservatory
Well according to Google just about anyone or at least a large percentage of small town. There are a huge number of outlets that are trying to sell you a conservatory. If you have any recommendations on good companies please let us know. We cannot list them all here but just search using Google or Yahoo and browse through the sites. Which ones seem the most informative, do they have any example information packs for viewing, how much are they, do they come with a guarantee, do they have a store that I can visit and view examples?
How much will it cost?
Again this varies depending on the design, the materials for construction and the size. Typically the larger it is the cheaper per square meter it works out. For example a very typical 3.3x3.3 may cost £275-350 per square meter. A larger 30 square meters or more may work out at £200-250 per square meter or less. There is such competition that there are always special offers and sales on so you may be able to pick up something much cheaper than this or buy an otherwise more expensive type of conservatory or material. The dwarf wall will again vary with design and several quotes should be obtained from builders for the cost of it.
Hidden extra costs
Conclusions
Building a DIY conservatory can save you a lot of money and give you exactly the conservatory you want. However, you must be aware that there are several days work ahead of you, you need to be good at constructing things and also at following plans.
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