Questions and Answers about Conservatories

Questions and Answers

As you go through the conservatory planning process, there’ll be many questions you’ll need answering. Here are some of the most common:

We haven’t seen the conservatory we want in anyone’s brochure. Does that mean we can’t have it?

Since all conservatories are made to order, you can have anything that’s physically achievable. A chat with a specialist conservatory designer, such as one of the Conservatory Village team, will open up possibilities you may have never even dreamed of. To find inspiration from some more unusual conservatories, take a look through this website or visit the Conservatory Village display in person.

Can I use my conservatory all year round?

Modern conservatories, with insulated bases and cavity walls, which feature double-glazed units and a thermally efficient roof, can be used all year round. The thoughtful use of heating will also help. Comfort levels can be further enhanced with Ultraframe Conservaglass. This is a revolutionary new type of glazing that is specially developed to keep conservatories warm in Winter, by retaining heat, and cool in Summer by excluding solar radiation.

Do we need Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approval?

Probably not. Planning Permission isn’t usually required unless you’re adding a conservatory to a house that has already been extended. You may also need to check the age of your home as developers of new build properties sometimes have restrictions placed upon them.

Do you make conservatories to order?

Yes - every one of our conservatories is made to measure and can be personalised with a host of accessories and design features both inside and out.

Do we need to install Insulating Double Glazing Units (IGU’s) and if so, which ones?

On April 1st 2002, the Government introduced Part L, amending the Building Regulations for the first time, to require replacement windows and doors to meet tough new thermal performance standards. The new standard applies when new doors replace an existing window or when you change the doors between the house and the conservatory, but not when you keep the existing lockable french doors or patio doors between house and conservatory.

How soon can we have our conservatory?

The average turnaround is six to ten working weeks from placing the order in writing (depending on the weather or if planning permission is required).

Our neighbours aren’t friendly - how can we protect our privacy?

Conservatories can be made private by the thoughtful use of obscure glass, solid side panels, blinds or even a solid wall on one side. (If the proportion of the side frame glass falls below 50%, Building Regulation Approval is required).

We’ve got an odd shaped space/an unusual wall/a sloping garden. Can we still have a conservatory?

Contact us and we will be able to help. By using a system as flexible as Ultraframe’s there’s almost always a solution you your problem, and chances are we will come up with several alternatives.