Self Build Conservatories - Useful Information

Here we have outlined some handy background information regarding self build conservatories.

Getting Started - Digging A Conservatory Foundation

The foundation for your self build conservatory will be very similar to that for an extension to your house, and will usually need to be between 650mm and 1000mm deep. Contrary to popular belief conservatory foundations are not dependent on the weight of the conservatory, rather they are more dependent on the type of ground that the conservatory is to be stood upon. Once the foundations have been dug, they should be filled with concrete to provide a solid base. (Remember the foundations should finish about 150mm below ground level)

Damp Proof Course And Dwarf Wall

Once the foundation has been completed, you will need to build up to the damp proof course, preferably using a matching brick to the rest of your property. Install the damp proof course and then continue on with the dwarf wall construction.

The dwarf wall should be built up as a cavity wall, with proper wall ties and cavity wall insulation to ensure that your conservatory is not a heat sink for the rest of your house. If you aren't a skilled brick layer it may well be worth while to to get a local builder in to build the dwarf wall for you, as ensuring that the dwarf wall is level will make the rest of the construction of the conservatory much less problematic.

Panels And Doors

The main part of the construction of the conservatory is actually the fastest part of the whole building process, you will need to connect the panels supplied by the manufacturer and add in the door frame. A great video is available at conservatories.tv showing the whole building process.

The Conservatory Roof

The last part, and often the most tricky part, of the construction of your conservatory is the addition of the roof. The key to getting the roof on easily is to ensure that you have followed your plans properly from the very start of the build. Once your conservatory has been designed, MAKE SURE that, once the conservatory has been ordered to the planned specification, you dont decide to move the foundations a 100mm one way or another or do some other minor changes that 'might' make the conservatory look better. All this will do is make your construction process a nightmare.