Building your own conservatory is a big, yet incredibly rewarding challenge. You get to set your own pace, customise the design to match your exact preferences, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment – all while saving thousands on high labour and architect fees!

Before you get started, however, it’s important to be aware of a few common mistakes that could end up costing you big down the line.

At Trade Price Warmer Living, our goal is to support you in creating the conservatory of your dreams. Below, we’ve explored the five most common mistakes people make when building a conservatory, and what you can do to steer clear of them.

1. Not Following the Proper Steps

Carefully planning each step is crucial when building a conservatory addition. Rushing into construction without detailed plans can lead to costly design flaws and structural problems down the road, so take the time upfront to create blueprints guiding you through the entire process. Consider the layout, required materials, and necessary structural reinforcements, as this will help you avoid missteps and make sure your conservatory meets design specifications.

If starting from scratch seems daunting, you may want to use a pre-made conservatory kit instead. Our all-inclusive DIY kits provide materials, plans, and easy step-by-step instructions perfect for beginners. They take the guesswork out of planning and make building your conservatory fast and frustration-free.

2. Neglecting Building Controls

Neglecting to check and comply with a local building control body can lead to legal issues, safety hazards, and unexpected costs. To avoid problems, research and understand the requirements in your area before starting any construction project. This will help make sure your structure meets safety standards and legal obligations.

Using pre-approved, certified components can save time and effort. For example, our conservatories have been independently tested and approved by a nationally accredited building control agency. Their comprehensive analysis verified the roof design through structural calculations, assessed thermal performance and condensation risk, and granted full system approval. This pre-approval saves you time while reassuring you that your conservatory adheres to regulations.

3. Poor Foundation Construction

Never underestimate the importance of a solid foundation. A poor-quality base can lead to structural instability and long-term issues, so make sure to invest time and effort into creating a robust foundation. Check the base is level, properly compacted, and able to support the weight of the conservatory, and always use premium materials to avoid the need for repairs down the road.

It’s a good idea to use a high-quality, modular system like our Durabase foundation. Its steel construction and prefabricated walls allow for fast, efficient installation while still providing robust engineering. It also comes with a 25-year guarantee, giving you total confidence in its durability.

4. Low-Quality Materials

When building your conservatory, it can be tempting to cut costs by using lower quality materials. However, this often leads to problems down the road in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and comfort. You should instead invest in high-performing materials suitable for your climate and intended use.

For example, we use timber in our conservatory builds for its natural strength and insulation properties. The tiny air pockets in timber make it a far more effective insulator than aluminium, minimising heat conduction and resulting in more thermally efficient structures that are cheaper and greener to heat. Even better, we source our timber sustainably from forests with 120-year harvest cycles. This long growth period gives the wood unmatched durability and a premium finish.

5. Inadequate Insulation

Proper insulation can make a huge difference in keeping your space comfortable and saving on energy costs. Make sure to use insulated materials, especially in the roof, to regulate temperature effectively. This step will not only boost your comfort but also make your home more energy-efficient all year round.

All of our conservatories come equipped with state-of-the-art Warmer Roof technology. This highly insulated roof system consists of 125mm multi-foil honeycomb insulation layered with an additional 53mm of insulated plasterboard. This premium insulation helps regulate the temperature – keeping the interior cool in summer and retaining warmth in winter. With better insulation, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable conservatory year-round while also saving on energy bills.