You've considered your options, weighed up the benefits and finally decided upon the design and layout of your beautiful new conservatory. So what happens next? Just how does your dream become a welcome reality?
Listed below is further information about the typical installation process, planning permission and building regulations.
To ensure your installation takes place in as smooth and stress-free way as possible, it's always best to employ the services of a K2 Approved Installer. These companies are bound by strict terms of conduct and are regularly vetted to ensure they employ ethical working practices and work to the highest standards. More details about K2 Approved Installers can be found in the K2 Approved Installers section.
After a site survey the installer will start the project by preparing the site. As part of this, they will dig the foundations and prepare the necessary drainage and lay down a concrete base.
Next, the installer will construct the dwarf cavity wall.
With the foundations laid and the dwarf cavity wall constructed, the installer will now prepare the floor slab including a damp-proof membrane (dpm).
Next, the inner and outer cavity walls are completed.
With the base of your conservatory, complete the installer can now put in place the unglazed side frames. Following on from this the conservatory roof is installed.
Now, the installer will fit the sealed glass units to sides of your conservatory. They will also put in place the polycarbonate panels or glass to complete the roof. From here, all you have to do is furnish your new conservatory and it’s ready for you to enjoy for many years to come!
From 1 October 2008 adding a conservatory to your home will be considered to be permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
- More than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
- No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
- No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
- Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house.
- Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
- Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including ground floor.
- Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
- Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
- Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
- Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
- On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.
Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.
* The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
* Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
If you have any doubts at all, check with your local authority.
Again if you live in England and Wales, conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations. As a general rule to qualify for this exemption, your conservatory should meet the following criteria laid out under the 1991 Building Regulations:
1. The extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
2. The extension's walls are substantially glazed (no more than 25% of its wall area should be brickwork).
3. The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m2.
4. The extension is sited at ground level.
5. The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s).
6. Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements.
Disclaimer:
This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. You should contact your local planning and building authority before undertaking any work.
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