self build conservatory

[whitbybabe]

Any one out there built one of these themselves ? Difficult or not ? Thinking of getting one and don't want to pay thousands to have it done.

[crete]

easy peasy

[hammerman]

There's a few choices you have.

You can buy one from Argos, Wickes, B&Q etc and fit it yourself

You can build a framework of solid timber then just get the polycarb roof from a builders merchants and sealed double glazed window units from glaziers which can be made exactly to size.

You get a company in to do it and do most of the groundwork yourself to save costs.

Id personally go for the second choice if you're competant with DIY/woodwork etc

Good luck and let us know what you go for

[tony1941]

I built a "Baltic Pine" one 3 years ago. Couldn't beleive how many pieces there were to treat/varnish, but got there in the end. We're delighted with it; the idea of it being all wood is very nice as it's a tolerant material for relacement or repair. I had the misfortune to break one of the windows recently (double glazed panel about 55cm x 160cm) and they sold me a replacement for �62 including delivery and all the wooden glazing bars and swept head parts! Excellent and freindly service.

[whitbybabe]

Thanks,will definately bear it in mind for the very near future !

[buildersmate]

I've built 2 Wickes ones (wood, not UPVC). They've definitely improved the ease of construction in the ten years between doing them. And the prices have come down as well, for the same quality . If you are handy at DIY its not difficult. The hardest part is doing the base / dwarf wall brickwork to an accurate spec, but you could get a contractor to do that bit for you. Don't forget to cost electrics, heating and plastering the inside.

[Big Al1st]

HI, Just be careful with the Building Regs. For it too be classified as a conservatory you must have a door leading from living room that shuts. If the Con has no door but is an extension of the living room then you must get planning permission.
If you dont this could affect the sale of the house in the future. Also, to be classified as a Con the heating in the Con must be seperate from the main house.

Also remember that if your glass units are 800mm or less from the ground then the glass has to be toughened.

Further info
http://www.fensa.co.uk/cons.html

Rgds Al
Alot of places where you can buy DIY Cons fail to mention Building Regs
Rgds Al

[whitbybabe]

Thanks, very helpful.

[buildersmate]

Half way there, Big Al, but not quite right. Don't get confused between Building Regs and Planning Permission. Planning Permission may be required for a conservatory, it depends on whether you can use your Permitted Development Rights (some dwellings don't have them - Conservation Areas, for example). I won't ramble on about it - ask your local Development Control office. Whether Building Regs is required is a different thing UNCONNECTED to Planning. Conservatories less than 30 square metres in external area and with the doors in place that you described above are regarded as Non-habitable structures and thus do not fall into the requirement for Building Regs (but they may still need Planning Permission). Building Regs assures that the structure is put up to minimum safe standard. This includes the safety glass in the positions you described, as well as other standards.

[gazzawazza]

I've built loads of bases for conservatories and would echo what Buildermate says. If you're a total novice on the bricklaying front you would be better getting a brickie in to do the dwarf wall. Don't forget if this isn't level/square it would make a good job nigh on impossible.
If you want to DIY, then you will find it a lot easier to build it square rather than a "victorian" shaped one. These require lots more skill than a bog-standard one. Another good thing about a square one is that you get the maximum amount of floor area for your conservatory dimensions (think about it, a "victorian" shaped con is a square one with the corners cut off).
One more point which I have mentioned on a previous post (and which you will thank me for in the future, or wish you'd taken my advice if you choose to ignore like my sister did!!!) try to include as many cooling features as you can afford, especially if the conservatory is in full sun all day. I would also include heating for use in the winter.

[whitbybabe]

Thanks to you all for your input, you have all been very helpful.

[Big Al1st]

Hi Buildersmate, I reckon we are both right. By planning permission read Local Authority Building Control. Extensions will have this automatically because they will have applied for planning permission to build the extension. The below is from FENSA:-
Any installation undertaken by a company which is not registered with FENSA or a similar body, or has been done as a DIY project by a homeowner, will need full Local Authority Building Control approval. All Local Authorities will know of the registered businesses in their areas and can identify unauthorised work very easily. It should be noted that the homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the installation complies with these requirements.

Before you sign a contract to buy any replacement glazing, be sure to ask whether the installer is able to self-certify. If not, an application to Local Authority Building Control for approval under the Building Regulations will need to be made by either the installer or the homeowner. It is likely that there will be associated charges with this.
The main reason for FENSA is to cut down the greenhouse effect. Either way, if you should need a certificate, and you have'nt got one then you will have problems selling your house. This applies to replacement windows as well.
Take care Al