Installing a new extension, conservatory and/or orangery is one way of expanding a home without having to move house.

Conservatories in Essex

One type of extension to a home is a conservatory. Buying and building a conservatory is a big decision. It's an investment for any home and can add value if installed correctly. In the past, conservatories were typically cold in the winter and warm in the summer.

Today, it's possible to use a conservatory all-year-round. Modern conservatories can be heated, thermal rated, and energy-efficient. This adds an extra dimension and style to any home. The glass used in today's conservatories is solar reflective. This just means that it's simpler to control the temperature and use a conservatory 365 days a year.

There are several essential factors a homeowner needs to consider before investing in a conservatory. Firstly, they need to decide on the type of conservatory they want. This mainly depends on the space available and the kind of design a homeowner may prefer.

There's an endless choice of conservatory designs including Victorian, Edwardian, lean-to, L-shaped, U-shaped and many more. One must-have, whatever its design, is energy-efficient windows with safe, secure, police recommended burglar-proof locking systems. These should be installed on both the windows and doors.

Orangeries in Essex

An orangery is similar to a conservatory, except it typically has a solid roof with clear glass around the sides. Orangeries are often seen as a luxurious addition to a home. They're usually larger than conservatories and have pillars, sections of solid walls, and double glazed panels.

The term orangery originates from Italy, where back in the 17th century an orangery was built to grow oranges and other citrus fruits during the winter.

Like conservatories, an orangery can add value to a home as well as some much-needed extra space. For example, as a dining room, a gym or an office space. An orangery can be attached to a home or stand separately in the garden.

Like conservatories, there are several styles to choose from, including Elizabethan, Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and lean-to.

Conservatory and Orangery: Planning interiors

It's essential that a reputable extension installer also helps homeowners think about additional details of a conservatory or orangery extension. For example, whether or not blinds should be installed, electricity sockets, radiators, underfloor heating, tiled flooring roof vents, double or single doors, TV and aerial sockets and internal and external lighting. Some homeowners also install ceiling fans as a more economical option than air-conditioning.

Thinking of a new Conservatory, Orangery or extensions in your Essex home?

It can be hard to find the right company to build a conservatory or orangery. It's always essential to shop around and ask several companies to look at a home and provide a free written quotation.

One way to find a reputable company is to check if it's registered with a recognised trade association like The Conservatory Association. This is made up of conservatory installers, suppliers and manufacturers.

Another industry body is the Glass and Glazing Federation. If a company is registered with the GGF, they'll have passed financial and quality assurance checks. A registered installer can come to a home and accurately measure the space before making recommendations and writing a quotation.

Conservatory and Orangery installation isn't covered by the same legislation that double-glazing and door installers are. That's why it's vital that homeowners considering such an extension are clear about the type of guarantee their installer offers. One reputable warranty is to find a company registered with CERTASS (Certificate and Self Assessment).

This is another government-approved trade organisation. A conservatory or orangery installer registered with CERTASS can offer the CERTASS CQ-assured Conservatories and Conservatories Warm Roof Scheme certificate.

Anyone considering a new Conservatory or Orangery can ask these trade organisations about the best-industry recommended products. This helps to ensure their extension is built to last. A reputable company will also provide a contract for the homeowner to sign and arrange a surveyor to visit the property. It's also essential to be clear about whether or not planning permission is needed. If it is, a reliable installation company will arrange this.