Your Questions Answered

Whether a planning application will be required depends a lot on the particular circumstances at each individual property and we can help you with this. Many of the projects undertaken can be built under Permitted Development. Should the dwellings have an historical listing an additional separate application would also be required. We have extensive experience in such applications and normally carry this out as part of the project.

Building regulations are constantly being amended and we can advise on the up-to-date situation for individual cases. Building regulations class many conservatories as exempt structures but should the structure have a floor area of over 30 m. sq. or if it lacks a high enough percentage of glazing, an external grade door/partition between it and the house an application to the local building control office will be necessary.

We offer a complete managed service taking care of every detail for you – from obtaining planning permission if necessary, through digging the foundations to the final paintwork. The main trades are part of our team so each phase of construction is closely controlled and scheduled.

Before building work or joinery manufacture begins a detailed site and property survey is undertaken. This records the dimensions and levels of the existing building, ensuring that your new building is an exact fit. A complete set of highly detailed CAD drawings are produced, from which all manufacture and building professionals work. These drawings will be presented for your approval before work starts.

To provide the most seamless project we prefer to manage and complete all builders' work where possible. Builders' work normally includes the construction of foundations, floor, alterations to drainage, plastering, walls and structural openings. All of our structures are built to meet current local authority standards whether building control is involved or not. Great care is taken to echo any existing materials of the property, such as stone or brickwork, often using handmade or reclaimed materials and specialist lime mortars (if necessary) to get the closest possible match.

All our glass structures are designed to be permanent, with a similar lifespan to normal building construction. They require only routine maintenance to ensure a long and useful life. We use substantial hardwood sections assembled with mortise and tennon joints. This provides great strength and longevity. Non-timber components are almost all of our own design, either purpose-made or chosen for their practical performance, visual qualities and long life.

We normally use the finest quality kiln dried African and Asian hardwoods selecting each to suit its task. Durability and stability are two of the most important properties. Other timbers such as oak are also used where buildings or clients require it. Our suppliers ensure that all timber comes from sustainable and renewable sources.

Our roofs and lanterns combine inherent strength with visual delicacy. On larger or more complex roofs, we often incorporate concealed steel reinforcement to create an uncluttered appearance. Many glazed roofs use decorative ties or cast metal eaves and ridge braces in a range of authentic period patterns. Our roofs provide safe support for cleaning and access, for people and their equipment. The tops are effectively maintenance-free, needing only normal routine cleaning. They are fully pre-finished with our own proprietary coated cappings. These cappings incorporate double seals of synthetic rubber to retain the glazing, and invisible stainless steel fixings. Roof bosses are sometimes embellished with turned or hand-carved finials and pendants, finished in durable enamel. Cast ball finials are standard, and we offer an extensive choice of classical and individual designs. Authentic period crestings and friezes in cast metal are also available.

Our range is almost unlimited and examples of the diversity of styles appear throughout our brochure. Our double-glazing bars are exceptionally slender, whilst our delicate single-glazed astragals are historically authentic. Most patterns can be double-glazed with individual sealed units, though this may be difficult with more delicate designs. One solution is to use perfectly-matched fine grids. Curved patterns use individually formed glazing bars made from individual strips of timber, skillfully jointed by hand.

Normally most glass units within our glass constructions are built as a 24mm double glazed unit with two layers of 4mm toughened safety glass separated with a 16mm spacer. There are many different types of glass available. Broadly these fall into three categories: low emissivity, solar and self cleaning. Low emissivity glass helps retain heat within buildings in cold periods and can be used in conjunction with an argon gas fill, improving insulation further. Solar glass blocks the sun's rays, reducing heat build-up in summer and bleaching of fabrics and furniture. Self cleaning glass breaks down any dirt that lands on the pane, allowing rain to easily wash it away. These products can be used on their own or in conjunction with each other, depending on the requirements of the job. A high specification low emissivity glass is fitted to all glazing units as standard.

Ventilation is important and is always carefully considered. Although there are various mechanical systems that can be used it is often best to design around natural methods. Where possible, vents will be incorporated into the roof structure, removing the warmest air at the highest point. Roof ventilators can be operated manually or automatically using temperature and rain sensors. Opening windows will be fitted in vertical joinery where possible, and are typically included in between a third to half of all the window panels.

We use the best quality ironmongery for the doors and windows, generally polished brassware in simple classical patterns, although other finishes are also available. To ensure optimum security, our robust frames are complemented by high security fittings. Doors have multipoint locks with steel shoot bolts coupled with 5-lever mortise security locks, substantial concealed lever bolts and integral security bolts. Most doors open 180° on broad projection hinges, held open with cabin hooks.

We use solvent-free, water-based, microporous paints, specially formulated to suit our timber. They have a low-gloss and high-opacity, offering a longer life than normal paint. In our workshops, all the woodwork is thoroughly sanded, sprayed with a dense primer undercoat, rubbed down by hand, and given a further two dense coats prior to protective wrapping and dispatch. We have a range of attractive paint colours to choose from and we are able to colour match the finish of metal components.

We provide a comprehensive, ten year guarantee covering all work manufactured and fitted by us. On other components, such as electrical fittings, we pass on the guarantee provided to us by our suppliers. We constantly review the construction materials and procedures used so specifications are continuously updated.