On 1 Apr 2003 03:41:23 -0800, Gwen wrote:

Dear All

We are thinking about getting a conservatory & would welcome any
advice or info anybody could give us.. I have read what is already on
the site & it has been very useful so far..

We are in Manchester , so if you've had any experiences with any
companies in the area that would be even better.

Thanks

Gwen & David

Had a great conservatory put in a few years ago by century seal, who then
got the contract for the windows as it was so good ( and very cheap as I
laid the Concrete base myself ). We are near wigan, and it is a north
facing conny. Not too hot, but good enough for bringing seedlings on and
great toms !! Beware the cowboys, we had one quote that had the seals on
the example panels he brought to us on the outside of the glass, and if
they are on the outside burglars can remove the glass with a simple twist
of a knife ! Another suggestion, don't accept the first few prices - shop
around for deals, get written quotes and hold a price auction with the reps
- you will be surprised to know that the average mark-up on a conny is
about 300%, so there is a lot of bargaining room. The opening windows are
the expensive bit if you are going for upvc, so the less of them the
better. Ignore the fancy colored "stained" glass panels, they are 50% of
the glazing cost in my opinion !! Get Pilkington "K" glass if you can. warm
in winter, cooler in summer ( if you need it !! ). Get the correct security
locks on the doors, it can affect your house insurance if you don't !
We had several tries at designs, and found the practical designs were all
square or rectangular - round or octagonal look nice but you get a lot of
"dead space" in the corners, as well as being more expensive to build.