Ever watched those television home makeover shows where fervent presenters harass hackneyed construction experts into completing a renovation in an inexplicably short space of time?

Of course you have!

Universally, aside from a dislike for the bothersome host, one thing we all take from these shows is the motivation to get our own home in order.

Whether you yearn to upgrade your bathroom or convert your attic into an office, the need for change and additional space can be irresistible.

This is where conservatories are worth their weight in gold.

If you have enough space to accommodate, conservatories offer a purposeful addition to the home, providing you with a family area that adds tangible value to your property.

The Benefits of a Conservatory

Given that the recent housing market volatility appears to be calming, many of us are looking at ways to improve the “sellability” of our homes with quality additions.

Quite simply, a conservatory is a great selling point for prospective buyers, providing unbeatable natural light, giving the impression that the living space is much bigger than it actually is.

As a result, conservatories are rising in popularity with sellers AND with folk looking to attain more space without the need to move to a larger home.

In most cases, planning permission is not required and the room you gain can serve a multifunctional purpose, tripling up as a dining room, office or even a study.

Additionally, apart from offering streams of natural light and allowing warmth to flood in, a conservatory gives you a comfortable area to enjoy unspoiled views to your garden.

Constructing Your Conservatory

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face once you’ve decided to go ahead is where you’ll place your new lean-to.

For some, adding it to the back of the home is the obvious choice, but if your back garden doesn’t get much sun, it’s worthwhile opting for the side or even the front of your property.

During the planning process, give this issue serious thought as – depending on what you’ll use the space for – the direction  it faces will have a major impact.

For example, if your conservatory is constructed to face east, it’ll benefit from the early morning sun – which makes it the ideal spot to browse the morning papers, with the space remaining warm throughout the day.

On the other hand, deciding to have your conservatory facing north means it can become an icebox during the winter months unless it’s adequately heated.

For most folk, a south-facing extension is the go-to choice, but ventilation and blinds should be a major consideration here, lest you wilt under the summer sun and the unbearable heat.

Finally, if you plan to keep plants in your conservatory, it’s recommended you have it facing west in order to take advantage of the warming glow of the afternoon sun.