The Hard Graft
Now, and this is important (as is practically everything when you come to
buying a conservatory) you will have to decide if you are either going to supervise/build
the conservatory yourself or if you are going to employ a company to do it
for you.
There are different ways to do this but you should choose the one that suits
you the best. Each of them has good points and bad points and these are shown
below…
DIY Conservatories
Advantages
- You usually save money. As the name suggests you do it yourself
but if you wish to complete a certain part of the job, such as digging the
foundations,
then you can sub-contract out that part of your work.
- You can be confident that you have complete control of the final result.
You will be more likely to take the necessary time over the more difficult
parts or any problems that might arise. You would be more likely to "rush" the
problems that might occur if you were the contractor working to a price.
If you have something unusual on your site, which might require a little
extra
attention, then this can be particularly relevant.
- You have the personal satisfaction of knowing that the work is done
exactly as you want it. You are well accustomed with your conservatory and
you can
make sure that everything is how you want it to be. Building a conservatory
is practical for just about all of us and with a lot of companies now specializing
in supplying to the DIY market and with many Tips booklets and "How To" guides
available. All it takes is some time and lots of patience.
Disadvantages
- Apart from all the "hard graft" there are not many disadvantages
- except perhaps that you are working for most the difficult client - yourself!
You, and you alone are responsible for the final result, it can be quite
lonely doing it yourself - especially if you come up against any problems.
It requires
a reasonable degree of confidence to tackle this on your own - We think
it's rather nice to enlist the help of a friend or neighbor. Perhaps you
could
help each other with each other's conservatory - a sort of joint effort.
A second
pair of hands and viewpoint will often help in overcoming the challenges
that will arise.
SUPPLY AND FIT CONSERVATORIES
Advantages
- Provided you have been careful and successful in your selection then
this approach should be the most "trouble free". Note that
we said careful and successful - this is the Key. You will need to research
your
supplier
and their products especially well. This will extend/lengthen the buying
process.
- Once you have selected the Conservatory Supplier for your supply and
fit project then the project and its associated challenges should become
the conservatory
supplier's problem. You can relax and look forward to pleasant days in
your new conservatory. When choosing a company to fit your conservatory
we suggest
you try the following.
TIP 1. Try and meet their builders before placing a firm order if you
are having any help. Companies often sub-contract out the labor to a
separate
building
contractor. You will most likely spend more time with this person on
your conservatory project than any other. Make sure your satisfied with
them
before they start
and make sure you ask them anything you are unsure about. You must feel
comfortable with this person - so do take your time on this element.
TIP 2. Unless you feel especially confident, do not go for the cheapest
quotation. You might get a better quality of service with a more expensive
source.
TIP 3. Be fair when you negotiate with companies. If your not fair most
companies won't want the work and those who do might short change you
later. Make a
detailed list of the features "you must have" and ask each
company to give their best price.
Disadvantages
- Using a supply and fit service is usually the most expensive way of
buying a new conservatory or sunroom.
- Make sure you know exactly what they are going to do. You might find
that they aren't going to do everything that you expect them to.
SELF MANAGE
Advantages
- This is a quite flexible approach. You can do as much of the work
as you want and as with DIY you save money.
- You can dictate the time scale and manage your finances more
easily. If you are one of those people who don't mind this
sort of thing
- then you
can do the work in various stages - often some time a part.
For instance, you could
construct the base this year but only purchase and erect the
conservatory next year or as funds allow.
Disadvantages
- You need to be confident at managing various trades (make sure
you know what you are doing!). You need to at least have
a working knowledge
of
what's involved. Remember you will be selecting each trade
individually - but if
you are lucky then some of the trade's people will be able
to introduce other trades.
- I hope you have a lot of spare time on your hands because
this is probably the most time consuming of all the alternatives.
