GETTING STARTED
The best way to start designing your new Prior DIY conservatory is to sketch a plan view and side elevation view of the proposed site of your conservatory. Make sure that you show all existing windows, pipes, drains, soil pipes and any other possible obstructions.
The ideal site would be free from obstructions of any kind withis the boundry of the proposed build. Although this is not always possible, there is usually a solution to the problem. If you have any doubts, we would be happy to advise. If you are employing a builder to construct the base and any brickwork, then the discussion should be between you and the builder. He will usually come up with a solution.
To get a good idea of how much area the conservatory will take up, it is always a good idea to mark out the external brick wall positions using canes and string. This will help identify any issues with the site.Please note that this marking out should be the OUTSIDE of your base; the INTERNAL window frames will be 100mm less than this all round. The internal brickwork will be approximately 250mm less than this all round depending on the cavity depth and wall type.
ENTRANCE FROM THE HOUSE:
Many customers chose to replace an existing patio door or French door at the same time as buiding their new conservatory. Please be aware that in order to comply with current building regulations, the new door(s) must be an external type of door that complies with building regulations.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
There are a number of things that need looking at at this stage. Is the existing house wall plumb?If it leans in or out, adjustments will need to be made to the dwarf wall at the design stage to avoid problems later with the installation. Gas flues, underground drains, soil pipes and sewers will all have to allowed for. The last thing you want is a manhole cover in the middle of your floor, or boiler fumes leaking into the finished conservatory. If you are building over a public sewer you will need approval from your local building control authority.
CHECK FOR HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS:
Check the height of any window above the conservatory site./ The pitch of the roof can normally be altered to accommodate this.We provide detailed CAD drawings which will show the ridge height or wall plate height. To be on the safe side you need to allow at least 100mm above this for cover caps and flashing. For full information about what can be done to alter heights and pitches, contact us and we will advise.