Choosing a conservatory company

One of the biggest decisions you'll face when considering a new conservatory is whether to go with a big national brand or a local firm or builder.

These are pros and cons to each. Here's what you need to think about before deciding.

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Getting a conservatory quote

Shop around

Make sure you shop around and always get at least three quotes. If possible, use a firm recommended by a friend or family member, or get a local trustworthy trader with the help of Which? Trusted Trader. Our Trusted Trader endorsement scheme recognises reputable traders who successfully pass our rigorous assessment process.

You'll need to think about whether you go for a local or national firm.

Log in to see our handy downloadable conservatory checklist, which includes all the questions you need to ask.

Not yet a member? Join Which? today – you'll also get access to our exclusive research on conservatory prices and common pitfalls.

Be clear about your needs

Be clear on what you want to use the conservatory for, but be flexible on the types of conservatory, designs and materials – you might surprise yourself when you see what’s on offer. 

When we asked Which? members* who have bought a conservatory about their experiences, 11% said it ended up being different to what they initially had in mind. Of those people, the top three things people did differently were:

• Opted for a conservatory that was more accessible from their home
• Went for a bigger conservatory in the end
• Decided to use a different type of glass or glass-type material

Many people invest in a conservatory to add a wow factor to their home. We found about half of those who changed their mind said it was because they preferred the look of another type or size of conservatory. So it's worth being open-minded about options.

Extra costs

It's worth asking for details on exactly what is included in the quote, from installation to fittings. This is so you don't get any surprises later down the line – 5% of conservatory owners paid more than they were first quoted.

Top tip: Be aware that some features, such as electrical sockets, TV aerial points and roof vents, can add to the price. Also, the material your conservatory is constructed from will influence temperature, light and maintenance issues - sometimes it's worth spending a little bit more so your new conservatory is more comfortable to use.

After getting an initial quote, you should expect a surveyor to visit your home to check things like drainage and floor levels, as well as to take accurate measurements. 

Make sure you get value for money – find out the average cost of a conservatory in our guide to conservatory costs.

National vs local conservatory firms

There are a few options when choosing a conservatory firm. You can:

• Buy off-the-shelf and install your conservatory yourself
• Buy a package from a local conservatory installer
• Buy your conservatory from one local company and get it installed by another
• Go to a major national brand such as Anglian Windows, Everest, Sehbac or Ultraframe for the whole package.

Some people like bigger brands because of their consistency and experience. Others prefer local firms for their more individual service. 

If you go local, you’ll also have to decide whether to pick an independent conservatory firm or a local builder, who is likely to have a wider range of skills than simply building conservatories. This may be good if your build is more complex or larger than average. 

Not all companies selling conservatories will install them. Make sure you check whether the company you buy your conservatory from will also do the installation. If they don't, get recommendations for local installers and check whether installation is included in your quote.

Conservatory accreditation

Look for a member of the Windows, Doors & Conservatories Group. A division of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), it addresses all areas of window, door and conservatory manufacture and installation with the aim of promoting high standards in the industry.

GGF members have to meet a stringent series of tests and follow the organisation's code of good practice. It also offers a free conciliation service in case of any dispute about the level of workmanship.

Also, if possible, pick a Which? Trusted Trader. Our endorsement scheme recognises reputable traders who successfully pass our rigorous assessment process. Use the Which? Trusted Traders tool to find a reliable trader near you:

It's also worth checking whether the company you are buying from is FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment) registered. FENSA was set up to improve energy standards, so it's a good way to ensure your conservatory is energy efficient. 

For conservatories that need to comply with building regulations, a FENSA certificate is essential.

Questions to ask when hiring a conservatory company

Below is a list of questions that you should ask the sales company or the installer when you buy a conservatory.

• Does the quote include installation, planning permission, heating, plastering, and digging a foundation?
• Will the installation be done by you or a third party company?
• Is the firm accredited by an industry body?
• How long will the construction process take, and how many people will it involve?
• Do I need to be at the property at the time of installation?
• Will you need space for a skip?
• Will any damage in the garden be made good once the work is finished?
• Where will sockets, radiators, doors, and the TV aerial be located?

During construction

How long will it take? 

Typical average-sized conservatories take between three and four weeks to build, including all snagging and finishing off. Large projects could last around six weeks.

Construction work will usually begin with the base, and tends to involve builders being on site for about about three days. 

During this time they will clear the ground, dig the footings, lay the base layers and level the floor before building the walls. Normally the building work would then be left for a few days – ideally over a weekend – to settle. 

During the second week the frames will go up and be glazed, and any electrical work started.

This is followed by plastering the walls (if necessary), finishing off the electrical work and then adding the flooring, Depending on what type of floor you choose, as well as the time of year, it's sometimes best wait a few weeks to let the floor dry out thoroughly first. 

How disruptive will it be?  

You'll probably want to meet the team on the first day, but a reputable company shouldn't need you to be at home for the duration of the work. 

If side access is good, disruption should be minimal. It helps if you have outside water and electrical facilities.

Be aware that your power supply may need to be switched off while the electrical work is done, and your garden may suffer some damage due to the number of people coming in and out. Boards should be used in the garden and then taken up overnight to allow the grass to grow.

Top tip: Don't panic when the base goes down and it looks small. Experts we spoke to say it always looks smaller than you expect at this stage – it will feel bigger as the frames go up. 

*(In March 2018, we surveyed 118 Which? members about their experiences of buying a conservatory in the past five years and experiences with cost in the past five years.)