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Building a used Conservatory?

I have found a used Conservatory on ebay that I am interested in. It is in good condition and has the roof frame but no roof panels. Can you just use corrugated plastic for the roof? Also how do I go about building a base for it? My garden is on a slope and there are about three steps up to the door that I would like the Conservatory to come from. Obviously I would like it built up to the same level as the door. I do not know much about diy personally and a close friend who is quite good at most diy projects said they would have a go at putting it up for me. Will this be too much for the average diyer especially as it will have to be raised quite a bit? Also would it cost a huge sum just to build the base? It is a full height Conservatory. I am assuming these are easier to build? Anyone with any know how. I would very much appreciate your advise. It is a upvc conservatory and does not need a dwarf wall. Thats all I know about it really The seller called it a free standing conservatory

Public Comments

  1. god bless you and good luck you are so funny get back from the pub go on ebay for half an hour and see this bargain of a conservitory and think wow i may need some help and advice !!! I know i will go on answers and ask them on there you havent realy thought this through have you?
  2. if you want to be legal about it, you will need planning permission from you local council first. then for any permanent structure, you should have suitable foundations, my advice is to get some builders quotes and advice, before you go any further
  3. It all depends on what type of conservatory it is (i.e. timber or upvc) and whether it is set from the ground or on a brick tier. If you add a little more info, I maybe able to give you some ideas.
  4. As long as the person building the base anchors it into the hillside, it should be okay. Whether you are, or are not going to do this with a building permit, the foundation should have an adequate number of concrete piers sunk into the ground to keep the foundation planted during high wind conditions. If you go with a permit, you'll need to furnish drawings that show it will be erected in compliance with local building codes. The upper portion of the conservatory is likely very light, and will act like a sail when it's windy, so it should be securely anchored to the sill that is constructed to raise the structure, and of course that sill should be securely anchored to the piers via hardware (steel fastening plate) that is cast into the pier blocks. Piers and associated hardware can be cast in place, or purchased as pre-cast with fasteners and ready to bury. As for cost, without knowing how big the structure is, or how much lumber will be required to create a level sill, it's difficult to estimate.
  5. Please! please! leave this alone.The base alone is major work, planning permission. Building regs,ie (building inspector).all this to sort out. Don't buy some thing like this without seeing it first. And make sure your people take it down, so they will know how and what goes were. Same goes for friends saying they will have a go. Does ant fill one with confidence does it. You can use corrugated plastic,But if you did you would be a fool.I think this is one to leave alone. As for WONKYFELLA, Wake up read the question get some glasses, or do just say anything to get 2 points. Well said MOMMASUES
  6. It sounds like one of those jobs that will turn out a lot bigger than you first thought. I'm not sure what you mean by "corrugated plastic" for the roof, but if it's the stuff that's wavy like corrugated iron, it will be very difficult to get a waterproof seal round it, and it is flimsy and will sag. You can get stiffer double-skin plastic panels, which would be better. In England and Wales, unless the conservatory is huge, or your house has been extended before, it is unlikely you will need planning permission, but check with the council first. Nor will you need buliding regulation consent if (1) the floor area is less than 30 sq metres, which is pretty big (2) you keep a proper external-type door as the access between your house and the conservatory and (3) there is toughened glass in the lower part of the sides and in and around any door which opens into your garden. That last requirement may be a problem, both for your own safety and from the regulatory point of view, if you are buying second-hand. Again, it would be best to contact the local building inspector; they are usually both approachable and helpful.