Download a Conservatory Checklist
The salesperson is selling me a conservatory, how do I tell the difference between what I need from what he wants me to have?
That’s a very good question, I’m glad you asked it; well done, you. The best way to keep track of the various salespeople, their suggestions, promises etc is to work out a list of areas you need to discuss and ask the same questions to each rep. This does several things:
- You look organised and together, you’re no professional but you’re not a patsy either
- You don’t forget to ask key questions
- You don’t have to memorise the answers
- Everyone answers the same questions so the quotes come in on a level playing field
- The sales person is less likely to fib if you are writing down his every word
Â
You will need the following things for a conservatory:- A base for it to stand on, complete with a PVC membrane, 100mm polystyrene layer and at least 150 mm concrete on top of this; remember this has to hold the weight of the structure, so it is important
- Walls for the frame to sit on (also handy for an internal window-sill all the way around that you girls are so keen on putting candles, china cats and ethnic lanterns on, and their boyfriends to put their feet up onto, only to be told to take them off again by his girlfriend, to pick an example purely at random)
- Windows, opening and fixed
- Doors to and from the house and/or garden; French doors, single doors, bi-folding doors
- A roof, in either polycarbonate or glass (each of which there are varying choices), with possibly a roof vent or two (more on heat conduction, convection and radiation elsewhere)
- Guttering and possibly drains relocated or installed
Â
You will probably want the following things in your new conservatory:- Flooring laid (laminate or tiling), budget for materials and labour
- Heating (under-floor or radiators)
- Plastering on all or some walls, including the inside of the dwarf wall, if applicable
- Electrical points (for lamps, fan heaters, laptops, hoovers, foot spas etc)
- Lighting points and switches (unless you intend to use only lamps)
Â
You might want the following things in your conservatory- Electronic/climate controlled roof vents
- Decorative glazing
- Cane furniture
- Ceiling fans
- Blinds
Â
Since I am such a NICE GUY, I have uploaded the conservatory checklist I created back when I was a customer of Regent Windows, and before I joined the company itself. You can find this HERE; it is in Microsoft Excel so you can add and remove your own sections as you see fit. You’re welcome.
The bottom line: Use people who have built conservatories before; make sure they know their Building Regulations and make sure they are accredited (FENSA, Certass etc).
Read enough already and want a quote? CLICK HERE.
