| Are you considering adding value to your home by | | | | on firm foundations. |
| building a conservatory or sunroom? Do you live in a | | | | 3. These walls have no damp proofing so imagine the |
| semi-detached property, or in a home that adjoins in | | | | consequences several years on in your new |
| someway another building? Here are some pointers | | | | conservatory with creeping damp. |
| that you should think about when building your | | | | 4. Consider the roofing material you would need to |
| conservatory. | | | | secure your conservatory. The extra loading |
| Most conservatories built on semi-detached homes | | | | necessitates the use of a steel superstructure or |
| will require a wall on the side adjoining the | | | | relies on the more traditional masonry construction |
| neighbouring property. I am continually amazed at the | | | | methods. Care must be taken when considering a |
| number of times I hear prospective clients say to me | | | | sunroom or conservatory as a solid roof will block |
| that companies are quoting to build the conservatory | | | | sunlight from the main dwelling. You must also |
| using the existing garden wall. This breaks every rule | | | | consider any light restrictions that may be placed on |
| in the book and while it may be the cheapest option | | | | your neighbour's light into their home or garden. |
| in the short-term it will definitely be a very expensive | | | | 5. If you ever decide to sell your home and, |
| option in the long run. | | | | remember never say never, this structure would be |
| 1. You do not own the garden wall; it is shared with | | | | condemned by a surveyor of the potential buyer |
| your neighbour. Imagine building your conservatory | | | | resulting in the possible loss of the sale of your home |
| and then have your neighbour decide they don't like it | | | | or a hefty discount off the asking price. So make |
| and would like it taken down! | | | | sure you are being quoted for a properly designed |
| 2. These garden walls have minimal, if any, | | | | conservatory which will comply with all current building |
| foundations. As everyone knows, if you do not start | | | | regulations. |
| the job on firm foundations you certainly won't finish | | | | |