Conservatory Self Build Guide

The outline of the dwarf walls are calculated and marked out as per plans

Construction work begins with the digging of the strip footings

Footings are dug to a minimum depth of 450mm – this will vary depending on the ground conditions

Concrete is poured into the ‘trench’ to form the foundations

The concrete is floated to form a level surface area to build upon

Any drainage pipes will be identified, protected and ‘bridged’ by concrete lintels

The outer leaf of the cavity wall is built to just below outside ground level

The inner leaf of the cavity wall is built to inner floor level

Any existing air bricks can be transferred through the base

Hardcore is laid and compacted to a minimum 100mm deep. A blinding screen of sand is then laid over the hardcore

Floor insulation and a damp proof membrane are laid over the sand

Concrete 100mm thick is laid to bring the slab up to the finished floor level

The concrete is floated to a smooth surface level

Cavity trays may be installed depending on the porosity of the house masonry. Otherwise a standard flashing is used

The remaining dwarf walls are built to match the existing brickwork or as requested by the homeowner

The dwarf walls are built to the height agreed and should include insulation in the cavity wall

The PVCu external cill is fitted to the dwarf wall and the erection of the side frames begins

The side frames are ‘stitched’ together

On completion of the frames, the structural aluminium eaves beams are fitted to the head of the frames

The door frame is fitted to the side frames and dwarf walls

The drainage system will be fitted, including the guttering attached to the eaves beam and any down pipes

The ridge and starter bars are fixed into place

All the glazing bars are fixed from the eaves beam from the ridge

The chosen glazing panels or sealed units are installed

If specified in the plans, a vent will be installed into the conservatory roof

The glazing is installed into the side frames

The door is glazed

All the finishing touches are added to the conservatory, including the sealing of the side frames against the house wall

The PVC internal cladding is clipped onto the eaves beam and ridge to complete the internal trims

Your Dream Conservatory is now a reality! You can sit back, relax and enjoy your new stylish space