The first question is, what is a conservatory?

There is no standard definition of what constitutes a conservatory (apart from "greenhouse"). This is one reason why quotes vary so widely.

The conservatory industry itself does not have a consistent approach. So, the only way out of this is to be specific about your requirements. *Don't be afraid to ask questions if the sales rep or designer's comments don't make sense*.

If you want it to last and keep looking good, buy the best one in the most expensive material your budget allows. The cheapest supplier rarely supplies the best product or the best service. Do not try to beat the price down too much. Less professional suppliers will agree to it, but sell you short later. Get the best you can afford. Allow 10% for 'extras' or additions you may make later to the order.

A 10% deposit is normal. A larger one is appropriate only if the work is 'bespoke' - such as unique timber window designs. Try to pay in stages according as the work in completed, and withhold the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction.

When budgeting think about indirect costs such as skip and tool hire, garden landscaping, drainage pipes, etc.

Inform your insurance company; your home policy may need amending.

Contact your local planning office early in the design process. You need planning permission for a conservatory.

Browse the internet and send off for some brochures to get an appreciation of different designs, before you buy. To help visualise how much space it will take up and how it will affect your garden, stake out the dimensions on the ground with pegs.

Decide if you want a conservatory with glass full height or one with dwarf walls.

Consider your neighbours; will the conservatory affect their enjoyment of their sunlight, their garden? You can avoid legal action!

Think about where to site features like French doors so that they are easily usable and don't block your view of the garden.

When you build a conservatory in the UK it should ideally face towards the south and should not be overshadowed.

Use double glazing and insulation in the floor and side walls to raise the average temperature and lengthen the time in which the conservatory can be used without heating.

Walls, windows and doors adjoining the conservatory should be insulated to same standard as the rest of the conservatory. The more money you spend on the right roofing, insulation and and glazing systems, the less you'll spend on cooling or heating. While making a plan, budget for extras such as furniture, blinds, and heating.

Aluminium is strong with a small risk of condensation when humidity is high. Hardwoods look good but can be difficult and expensive to mantain. Double-glazed, white uPVC is inexpensive, popular, heat conserving, easy to maintain and long-lasting.

Lead your conservatory off a room that you use a lot, like your kitchen or living room. Don't let your design disturb the shape of your house. Match the construction materials and colours with the ones used in your home. Take interesting details like unusually shaped windows and bargeboards into your design. When you build a conservatory, let it complement period features, rather than clash, hide, or cause them to be removed. Choose a style that suits your property and complements its looks. If yours is an older property, be careful of fitting PVCu and aluminium designs. Have a look at properties similar to yours, in your area. See how different conservatory types look on houses like your own. Compare the effect of various conservatory types.

If you want to self build: Buy where the trade buys, and not the DIY chains. Screwfix Direct is a good starting point for screws, fixings etc. Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Get help from friends who know parts of the job, like concreting or plumbing. And hire professional help when you really need it. Make sure that you have everything you need at hand; the right tools, the right materials. Don't cut back on cavity insulation and foundation. You'll regret it in the long run.

Site survey. Make your conservatory as big as your budget or actual floor space will allow. Consider drains. See if planning permission is required; contact your local council planning department before you start work.

Suppliers: Don't rely on the Yellow Pages or advertisements as proof of proficiency. Anyone can place an advert, join a trade body, or display badges they're not entitled to. Always use a reputable company that you have had independently checked out.

Don't rely on the fact that you have heard of them, as even some of the biggest advertisers may have had several incarnations. It's very easy in Britain to shut down one company and open up again under a similar name. Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act. If the company will accept credit cards for the whole job then that is even better. You have 30 days to make a claim with your credit-card company. You have to show how you were given bad goods or workmanship i.e. they contracted to give you X and gave you Y instead.

Also ask them how long the delivery will be. Have this stated in the contract. Additionally ask for an estimate of how long the work will take to finish once they are on-site.

Check, double check and get independent advice on the contract before you sign, as some contracts are considerably more onerous than others.

The best way to avoid salesmen's traps is to be sure of what you want before the salesman arrives in order to present him with your requirements and use that as your bargaining chip.

Getting a specific quote against a specific set of requirements is the only way you can be certain of getting like for like quotations and getting the best prices to compare at your leisure.

RSSTAGHERE4

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