Conservatories are one of the most popular ways to add more living space to a home. You’ll find conservatories of all types throughout the UK. In addition to helping you expand your property outwards, adding this type of extension will also increase your property value.
Another reason conservatories are so popular is because they are less expensive than other types of extensions. However, that doesn’t mean they are affordable to everyone. The average cost for custom conservatory prices can run anywhere from £15,000 to £30,000. That doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget. But, if you follow these tips, you can cut the price of installing a new conservatory.
Consider Your Options
Not all conservatories are equal. Take a look around the neighborhood. You’re bound to see several different types of conservatories throughout the area. If you are on a tight budget, you shouldn’t consider buying a high-end extension. Instead, you should keep your eye on more affordable building materials.
Affordable conservatories use more affordable materials to build. That only makes sense. For example, glass walls cost a lot less to install than solid brick. A fully tiled roof will also raise the price. Consider a conservatory with a cheaper, flat-top roof.
Weigh the Features
How do you want to utilize your conservatory? If you flip through home improvement journals, you’ll see examples of the most luxurious options and features available. But these added features come at a high price. And, if you don’t use them, it’s a waste of money.
Only pay for the features you need. Avoid unnecessary costs. For example, if you only foresee yourself enjoying the conservatory on a hot, summer day, you may not need additional electrical outlets. Even though underfloor heating may sound impressive, you can get the same effect by adding several throw rugs in the room instead.
Get Multiple Quotes
Builders want your business. Don’t settle for the first price you hear. Instead, negotiate with both builders and building material suppliers to lower your total cost.
Buy Off-Season
One of the highest costs in building a conservatory is buying the materials. If you can wait, try to develop your extension during the colder months. It is the slow time of year for both builders and suppliers. You’ll often find deep discounts on the materials you need.
Also, if you purchase stock from the previous season, you can save money. Trends change all the time, so suppliers are always updating their offerings. Ask what they have on special, and don’t be tempted into paying full price for anything.
Build It Yourself
Many homeowners are skilled when it comes to DIY projects. Installing a conservatory is doable for many people. Look for a prefab option that requires less construction. There are many ready-to-install options that you can purchase off the shelf and build on your own.
If you decide to go the DIY route, do your homework beforehand. Make sure you know all the building regulations in your area. You may also need planning permissions before you get to work.
Conclusion
If you’re not confident enough to build the conservatory yourself, you can still hire someone else to do the construction and tackle the interior decorating alone. Hiring a decorator is a substantial expense that many people don’t need. As long as you have an idea of how you want the inside of your conservatory to look, you can usually make design choices without any help. Besides, you can always take as long as you like to finish the interior of your new conservatory.
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