What to look out for

Choosing which supplier to use is one of the most important decisions you have to make. A reputable supplier should be able to show a full size conservatory example in your preferred style, at an outdoor location – possibly even at a customer’s home.

Ask yourself questions: What quality of service will I receive? Have my rights been explained to me - such as the right to cancel the contract within 5 days?

If possible ask a previous customer if they needed any back-up service since they purchased their conservatory, and how good the company was at responding.

Check that your preferred supplier is part of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). This guarantees that a company has high professional standards, and also means that if it were to cease trading, another member will honour your guarantees and carry out any work that may become necessary in the future.

Send for a selection of brochures, videos or DVDs. As well as being dazzled by the choice of styles, check out other information, such as: How long has the company been trading? Does it have quality standards which guarantee that its products are made from top quality components? Some to look out for are BSEN 12608, BS 6206 and BSEN 1279-2.

British Standards are awarded to companies who regularly test the quality of their own products, and are open to inspection and testing by the body that awards the standards.

BSEN 12608 covers uPVC profiles (the material which makes the frame of the conservatory, doors and windows). It ensures that materials used are of the highest quality, are colour-fast, impact resistant and have immense corner strengths.

BS 6206 Class A is for toughened glass which must be used in conservatory walls where specified. It means that in the unlikely event of breakage there would be no jagged lengths of glass to cause major injury.

BSEN 1279-2 All sealed units manufactured to this standard demonstrate the ability of the unit to limit moisture penetration as a result of long term exposure to high temperature.

Another indicator of a quality product is the award of a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate. A complete conservatory system with BBA approval will have exceeded even British Standards for the quality of products used.

What to ask the salesman

To ensure that you’re getting the best service, it’s important to ask the right questions the right questions. Try these:

Will you design a conservatory to exactly fit the space I want?

A reputable company will not only have the technology to ensure that it can design and construct a conservatory to fit a given space, it will also be able to accomplish feats such as turning corners.

Does the salesman do the measuring up?

Beware of a company that doesn’t send in a surveyor to check the exact details of the design and all measurements. This person will also advise on aspects such as materials, drainage, wall construction and the depth of base required.

How will the base be constructed?

A solid foundation is crucial to avoiding structural problems in the future. Be wary of companies that use standard bases. Instead, look for a company that tests the soil type, and is prepared to take advice from statutory building control boards on the necessity for techniques such as piling.

Ask if the company employs impartial structural engineers to carry out this work. Will the company you employ be prepared to take photographs and produce documentary evidence that all procedures, including provision of a damp course, have been carried out according to existing regulations?

Who will handle the planning application, advise on other regulatory bodies and ensure that all regulations are followed?

Your supplier should have specialists to deal with all planning requirements and to ensure that your conservatory complies. There are several other bodies that could need consulting, including those that grant permission for listed buildings or in conservation areas.

They should also be aware of ‘permitted development’ issues – which are common on new housing developments but can still be overcome.

How good will the workmen be?

A quality conservatory company will use different teams for different phases of the construction. Builders will dig the foundations and drains and build any base walls. They will be followed by an experienced team of conservatory assemblers who will complete the job.

Once the conservatory is assembled the site should be left clean and ready for the conservatory to be occupied.