Choosing a UPVC conservatory is a big decision, and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. When you choose the right double glazing conservatories in Gloucestershire, you’ll add to the value of your home and life. However, you need to ensure that you don’t make a decision you’ll regret, or that will have a negative impact on your home.
How do you start the process? What kind of things do you need to look for? To begin with, here is a list of advice we’ve put together from experts ranging from architects to interior designers and gardeners. These are the top 10 tips for choosing a UPVC conservatory.

1. What Do You Need to Use The Conservatory For?
Think about what you’re going to be using the area for. Is it simply a place to relax in? Or an extension of the living area? A playroom for the kids? It might not fit specifically into one of these categories, but the kind of thing you’ll be using the room for does have an impact on the way it should be designed. This will impact the materials used, the size, the layout and the overall style.

2. Quotation and Design
Before you make the decision about conservatories, companies should provide you with a detailed quotation that outlines the specifications of the design. This will include a breakdown of all associated costs to help you understand how the price has come together.

3. Don’t Always Go for the Cheapest Option
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This is especially true when you’re paying for any large-scale work on your home, including conservatories. Choosing the cheapest company usually means that they’re not going to use the best possible materials, and they may not be as experienced as other rival companies. Instead, it’s important that you base your decision on the ability of the supplier to provide a good job and within the time period you need it. You don’t want the job to take too long, but you also don’t want it to be rushed. The most important thing is that the workmanship is reliable.

4. Choose Your Materials Carefully
When looking at conservatories, companies can offer a number of different materials. It’s important that you think in the long term and build a conservatory that will last for many years to come. UPVC is now known as the best material to use for the frames: it lasts longer and gives a much better performance. There are also a number of different window glazing options including clear glass, performance glass or polycarbonate if you want extra energy efficiency. Remember, the easier the materials are to clean, the longer they’re going to last. If you decide to get a brick base, make sure that the supplier matches the bricks to your home.

5. Consider the Position
The position you place a UPVC conservatory on your home is absolutely vital. Never overlook this fact. For example, a south facing conservatory is going to get a lot more sun than one facing north, so you’ll need to make sure there’s enough ventilation and add blinds. You may also want to choose glass that’s specially designed for heat control.

6: Size Matters
Many people underestimate the size of their conservatory design and end up regretting it. A good idea is to get a second opinion from a friend or relative to make sure the conservatory will complement the home without dominating it. You should treat it as an extension of the current building, and not just an add-on.

7: Think About Your Glazing Options
When you’ve chosen the materials you like for your frame, think about the kind of glazing you’d like your conservatory to have. Polycarbonate and normal glass will mean that the sun penetrates and makes the conservatory quite hot during the summer months (like a greenhouse). If you want to avoid this then try using a high performance glass option, such as polycarbonate with a solar reflective insert, or Celsius Plus Glass.

8. Don’t Forget Ventilation
If you don’t have the right kind of ventilation in your UPVC conservatory then you could end up with condensation. This will only lead to further problems in future, so it’s important that you have a good roofing system (such as K2 roofing) that can let fresh air in at the same time as keeping anything unwanted out. If your budget can stretch that far, you might also consider choosing air conditioning/ ceiling fans to help regulate the air flow.

9. Check With Your Local Authority
If you live in England or Wales, and your house isn’t a listed building, then you don’t need planning permission for a double glazing conservatory. Gloucestershire residents who have any doubt, however, should check with the local authority to make sure it’s possible. Your conservatory installer should also be able to provide you with any advice.

10. Only Use Professionals
Lastly, the most important tip is to only use professionals to install your double glazing conservatories. Companies may have references and reviews to help make your decision easier, and you should also check they have the right kind of insurance to cover the build. When your home is going to be affected, it’s important you only choose a UPVC conservatory company you can really rely on.