With so many possible uses for a conservatory, before starting your project you should always:
• check your title deeds to make sure they don’t contain any restrictive covenants that could affect its use, eg you may not be allowed to run a business from home; if any doubt, contact a suitably qualified solicitor
• get any necessary
planning permission – a
professional conservatory contractor can provide advice on this and, very likely, apply on your behalf
v
• tell your mortgage lender and household insurer about your extension in case it affects the nature of their interest in your property or the terms of their business with you.
It’s also sensible to talk to your neighbours as soon as possible to discuss any concerns, especially if planning permission is required, in which case the council will routinely contact all adjoining properties to make sure there are no objections.
Here are just a few ideas of how to make the most of your new conservatory.
1. An extension to another part of your home: expand the area offered by your existing:
a) sitting room
b) kitchen
c) dining area
d) garden
2. As a stand-alone area for a business, possible use includes as a:
a) reception
b) light and airy waiting room
c) meeting room
d) chill-out space for staff
3. As a dedicated area in the home, which offers the added benefit of confining those activities to one room, resulting in less worry about it being continually tidy and suitable for other uses, for example:
a) children’s playroom
b) a family games room – there’s often enough space for large pieces of equipment, such as a snooker or table tennis table, which can be left assembled and ready for use, rather than being packed away and stored separately
c) hobby area, eg one that’s devoted to creating works of art or for playing tabletop fantasy and futuristic battle-games, ie the kind of things you’d prefer to leave out so it’s easy to resume proceedings instantly
d) as a TV lounge or computer room
e) a music room – either as a listening area or for making your own music, with the proviso that extra soundproofing may be needed
f) create an office at home that has enough power supplies for all the necessary equipment, plus plenty of storage space
g) as a retreat – a space to claim as your own haven of tranquillity
h) simply to provide some much needed extra space – perhaps as a home library, complete with a comfortable sofa bed, for occasional use as a spare bedroom
i) for a home gym – possibly including the added luxury of a relaxing hot tub or whirlpool spa
j) to create a
swimming pool enclosure
k) as a warm workshop, conveniently connected to the house and a reliable power supply
l) as a garden room and/or plant nursery – a conservatory is the perfect way to integrate your garden and home, to the extent you can continue to enjoy the sunlight and landscape even if it’s raining outside.
