Discussion
I have just had a chap over from a company called Extend-A-Room, for a quote for a conservatory. Anyone had any experience with them? They seem to have a very different route to building one, and don't know if its good or not? They say they can erect a conservatory in about 2-3 days, due to their unique foundation laying.
He said they use solid concrete block foundations, so something like 10 1m long "industrial spec" concrete blocks all around the frame of the conservatory, then a steel structure bolted on top of that, then insulation and boarding on top of that. The brickwork is essentially a plastic base, with 1cm thick "cosmetic" bricks. So its highly insulated, but not as heavy as an actual brick wall. Then a standard re-enforced roof with glass, of similar spec as most of the others (using an ultraframe roof and pilkinton glass, which everyone seems to use)
It basically comes as a flat pack, so they dont bring diggers or anything into the garden. Is this flawed? If not, why isn't everyone else doing it this way?
video on their site explaining how - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taaank_cO_c&fea...
He said they use solid concrete block foundations, so something like 10 1m long "industrial spec" concrete blocks all around the frame of the conservatory, then a steel structure bolted on top of that, then insulation and boarding on top of that. The brickwork is essentially a plastic base, with 1cm thick "cosmetic" bricks. So its highly insulated, but not as heavy as an actual brick wall. Then a standard re-enforced roof with glass, of similar spec as most of the others (using an ultraframe roof and pilkinton glass, which everyone seems to use)
It basically comes as a flat pack, so they dont bring diggers or anything into the garden. Is this flawed? If not, why isn't everyone else doing it this way?
video on their site explaining how - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taaank_cO_c&fea...
Edited by J__D on Monday 6th June 16:44
Surely conservatories like that are just a horrible place to be both when its hot weather, and cold weather. How often do people who have rooms like that actually get use out of them?
No idea on the build technique but I would be surprised if it didnt "feel" different upon walking in to a trad-built version.
No idea on the build technique but I would be surprised if it didnt "feel" different upon walking in to a trad-built version.
jke11y said:
Surely conservatories like that are just a horrible place to be both when its hot weather, and cold weather. How often do people who have rooms like that actually get use out of them?
No idea on the build technique but I would be surprised if it didnt "feel" different upon walking in to a trad-built version.
I will be having full walls on either side (plastered on the inside), only glass on the roof and front (I live in a town house) my neighbours has been good and she has it totally open all year round. No idea on the build technique but I would be surprised if it didnt "feel" different upon walking in to a trad-built version.
Well the end result is identical to any other conservatory. It is purely the base that is done differently. They seem to use a number of concrete blocks rather than full concrete foundations. It was said, that it's actually colder to walk into a traditionally built conservatory due to the amount of cement used for foundations.
Still use the same type of roof's and glass etc as anyone else. I just wondered if their base / foundation is a good idea, and wont start sinking away from the house.
Croakey, I am based in Surrey. They said they're not franchised.
Edited by J__D on Tuesday 7th June 09:15
It does sound a very short term way of building. Do it once, do it right.
How can beams laid on the ground be anywhere near as solid as a proper trench foundation?
And for gawd's sake use glass in the roof, not plastic!
At 9k it's not even good value.
eta just watched their video. I'd stick with traditional building methods as breezeblocks upended into holes and surrounded by postcrete just won't be permenant enough.
How can beams laid on the ground be anywhere near as solid as a proper trench foundation?
And for gawd's sake use glass in the roof, not plastic!
At 9k it's not even good value.
eta just watched their video. I'd stick with traditional building methods as breezeblocks upended into holes and surrounded by postcrete just won't be permenant enough.
Edited by andy43 on Saturday 2nd July 10:27
podwin said:
OP, did you go ahead with this?
I have just arranged to have a quote with them. Trying to find a review of them on the internet and this PH thread came up.
I haven't decided who I'm going with yet, but I have decided not to go with these guys. A friend of mine is a huge property developer and he immediately said to stay away from them.I have just arranged to have a quote with them. Trying to find a review of them on the internet and this PH thread came up.
Not this company in particular, he meant the whole building style, especially if I'm planning on selling the house, as he thought a surveyor would be able to tell the difference, and would tell the potential new buyers, therefore suggesting it could be used as a bargaining chip.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff