With the financial crisis continuing to leave many potential buyers unsettled, many people are choosing to invest in home improvement rather than move house. The benefits to this are twofold, not only do you get to stay where you are, and avoid the stresses of moving home, but you are also increasing the value of your property.

Best investment?

The best way of investing in your home is to make a change which will benefit you now, and also future owners or occupiers. Bear in mind that future occupants are unlikely to have the same tastes as you, so consider developing your home in neutral styles which will allow someone else to put their stamp on it at a later date.

One of the top ways of increasing the value of your home is by adding an extra room. Loft-conversions are one way, as are conservatories. If you’re anything like me however, the thought of converting the loft raises the question of ‘where will all the boxes go’ – which makes a conservatory seem the more feasible option.

Conservatory chills?

A few years back and a conservatory would only be a seasonal room – one which could only be used as living space during the summer months. Advances in energy efficiency means that there is now double glazing capable of keeping your conservatory toasty – even in winter. This means you can have an extra living space for dining, relaxing or as a playroom for the kids.

Choice

Conservatories come in a wide range of styles and designs, and it is important to have one which complements your existing and surrounding architecture. Look at conservatories built in the local area and see which styles work best.

They don’t have to be white either. There are now some very effective UPVC conservatories which have a wood effect, yet are still the low-maintenance plastic we love.

Budget

A good conservatory is worth the investment, but there are some ‘too good to be true’ deals out there which are likely to cause you a headache down the line. As with any big purchase, do your research, and find some reviews from people who have purchased from the company and had their conservatory installed.

Once you find some suitable conservatory suppliers, you will need to ask them for quotes. Once you have decided on the size and shape of your conservatory it is best to mark it out on the ground using pegs and string. Not only will this give you a good idea of the new space you will have, but it will also ensure that all your quotes will be for the same size conservatory.

Things to consider

When deciding on your budget – think about the additional costs beyond the build.

• Will you want to add electric points and an aerial or phone point?

• Will you need extra furniture for your new room?

• Will it come with a finished floor, or will you need to lay a laminate floor?

• Are you going to install air conditioning?

• Are you going to have blinds?

• Will you want to install radiators for winter use?

Call around for some quotes on the above to see what you can really afford.