Do it yourself projects are increasingly popular, especially with a large number of us confined to our homes for long periods of time during the pandemic.
From painting the bedroom walls to picking up a set of replacement cushions for your conservatory furniture, now is the perfect time for a home makeover.
Whether you’ve never heard of a DIY conservatory before or you’re looking for some hints and tips before ordering yours, here’s the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about DIY conservatories.
Now more than ever, people are challenging themselves to make, build and design to improve their homes, hone their skills and simply keep ourselves occupied.
With new at-home kits, machinery and materials becoming readily available to the masses, there is no end of the projects you now complete yourself.
Konservatory is urging the nation to give DIY conservatory kits a go at home.
Having a conservatory not only adds value to your home, but it also provides a gorgeous space to combine your garden and your interior together.
They are cheaper and quicker than getting a contractor in and can also be a lot more fun.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always within everyone’s budget to have contractors in and even if you do have the funds available, starting these projects during lockdown can be tricky.
What Is A DIY Conservatory?
It’s exactly what it says on the tin. DIY conservatory kits are not much different than flatpack furniture.
The supplier will ship your chosen kit to you with all the materials you need from start to finish to build your conservatory.
These kits can come ready-made in a matter of days or you can enquire about bespoke, tailored alternatives if you have a particular vision in mind.
What Experience Do I Need For A DIY Conservatory?
The simple answer is none.
These kits are designed for a complete novice looking to get stuck into building a DIY conservatory.
If you’ve had absolutely no experience in DIY projects, we do recommend having a go at something a bit smaller first.
Maybe start with a simple DIY coffee table or chair, you can then get an idea for how much help you may need from a friend or family member.
The DIY conservatory kits come with full instructions and many manufacturers have a free helpline so the experts can answer any queries that pop up.
The internet is also filled with online tutorials, it’s a good idea to see if someone has created a video guide for the model you are most interested in.
That way, you can follow this during construction and get an idea beforehand of what to expect.
What To Do Before Ordering Your DIY Conservatory
Always check if you need planning permission before ordering your DIY conservatory.
Most of the time you don’t need planning permission for a conservatory but there are exceptions.
You wouldn’t want to put all that money, time and effort into something that could be torn down.
If you are unsure, ask your local council, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Once you know you are good to go, it’s time to start planning your style, size and shape.
You may have your heart set on a Victorian or a lantern but will this keep in line with the aesthetics of the rest of your home?
What function will your conservatory play?
Do you want a play area for the kids or perhaps a grown-up space for entertaining?
You need to ensure you have enough space without impeding on your garden too much.
Do some research into the style, shape and size of furniture you want, getting some conservatory furniture ideas early on will greatly help with your design process and give you an idea of how much it will cost for you to furnish the space.
Check your toolbox, that old hammer and odd screws and nails we all hoard may not suffice when it comes to constructing your conservatory.
You may need to purchase or hire some new tools so getting an idea of cost beforehand can help with budgeting.
Take a look at the exterior wall the conservatory will sit against, does it need any repairs?
Cracks and imperfections could upset the integrity of the seals and not having this repaired beforehand could lead to a leaky roof.
It’s best to nip any issues in the bud.
What Will A DIY Conservatory Cost Me?
Whatever your budget, there is likely to be a DIY conservatory kit that fits it.
They start at a few thousand and climb up from there.
Ready-made kits are of course cheaper, but may not suit your needs, especially if you are looking for an irregular shape or size.
Tailor-made kits can be more costly, but if you alert the supplier of your budget, they are often able to accommodate this.
The size, type of glass and style can all impact your cost.
However, don’t always opt for the cheapest option as this could end up costing you more in the long run with maintenance.
It’s important to keep some contingency aside, you never know when an extra cost could occur.
For example, depending on your experience, you may find certain elements of the fitting above your skill level.
Professional conservatory fitters charge by the hour so get some quotes from local contractors so you know what you are looking at if you are struggling with fitting the doors or just can’t seem to get the foundations right.
There is always the possibility of accidents happening, dropped glass panels or wrongly mixed sealant can lead to you needing to purchase a replacement, so keep some cash aside just in case.
While it may seem like a daunting task, with proper research and careful planning, building your own conservatory is more than achievable.
Who knows, it could even lead to greater projects and a whole new world of DIY possibilities.