DIY Conservatory Kit Checklist: What to Check Before You Order

Ordering a DIY conservatory kit is a big step, but getting the right information together before you place your order can make the entire project much easier.

From checking your measurements and existing walls to deciding on the roof, glazing and door configuration, there are several things worth confirming before your conservatory kit goes into production.

A little preparation at this stage can help avoid costly changes later and make sure the kit you order is suitable for your property and the way you intend to use the finished space.

Use this checklist to work through the key points before ordering your DIY conservatory kit.

1. Confirm Your Conservatory Dimensions

Start with the basics: how large do you want your conservatory to be?

Accurate measurements are essential when ordering a made-to-measure kit. Measure the available width and projection carefully, taking into account the position of the existing property and any features that could affect the footprint.

You should also check:

• Overall width and projection
• Available height
• Position of the existing external wall
• Location of doors and windows
• Any nearby boundaries or obstructions
• The position of drainage and other services

It is worth checking your measurements more than once before submitting them. A small error at the planning stage can create problems when you come to assemble the structure.

2. Check the Existing Property and Host Wall

Your conservatory will connect to the existing property, so the condition and construction of the host wall need to be considered before ordering.

Check where the conservatory will meet the house and whether there are any features that could interfere with the installation.

Depending on the property, you may need to consider:

• Existing windows or doors
• Brickwork and external finishes
• Wall height
• Eaves and roof positions
• Existing guttering
• Access around the proposed conservatory

The connection between the new conservatory and the existing property is particularly important because it affects how the roof and wall sections are positioned.

3. Choose Your Conservatory Style

Once you know the available space, you can decide which conservatory design works best for the property and the space you want to create.

The four main styles offer different layouts and appearances.

Lean-To Conservatories

A lean-to has a simple rectangular footprint and a single-pitched roof. Its straightforward design can make it a practical option where space or height is restricted.

See our range of DIY Lean-To Conservatories for more information.

Edwardian Conservatories

Edwardian conservatories typically use a square or rectangular footprint with clean lines and a practical layout. The shape provides plenty of usable floor space, making it particularly suitable when furniture placement is important.

Explore our DIY Edwardian Conservatories to see how this style can work for your project.

Victorian Conservatories

Victorian designs use a multi-faceted front elevation to create their distinctive appearance. The additional angles give the conservatory a more traditional character while creating a different internal layout from a square or rectangular design.

Take a look at our DIY Victorian Conservatories for more details.

Gable-End Conservatories

Gable-end conservatories have a high, upright front elevation and can create a strong architectural feature. Their increased internal height can also contribute to a spacious, open feel.

Find out more about our DIY Gable-End Conservatories before making your decision.

4. Decide Between a Dwarf Wall and Full-Height Glazing

The lower section of your conservatory walls can have a significant effect on both the appearance and practicality of the finished room.

A dwarf wall provides a solid lower section beneath the glazing. This can give the conservatory a more traditional appearance and provides additional areas where furniture can sit against the wall.

Full-height glazing creates a more open appearance and maximises the amount of glass around the room.

Think about how you intend to use the space before deciding. A dining area, living room, home office or garden room may each benefit from a slightly different approach.

5. Check Roof Height and Pitch

The roof is one of the most important parts of your conservatory specification.

Before ordering, consider the available height between the proposed conservatory and the existing property. This is particularly important where the conservatory is being fitted beneath existing windows, eaves or other parts of the house.

Different conservatory styles also create different roof arrangements.

For example, a lean-to uses a single roof pitch, while Edwardian, Victorian and gable-end designs use more traditional pitched roof configurations.

The pitch also needs to work with the available space and the design of the conservatory, so establish this before finalising your order.

6. Make Sure the Base Is Ready

A conservatory kit needs a suitable, level and accurately prepared base.

The base should be completed and checked before the conservatory arrives. It needs to correspond with the dimensions of the kit and provide a suitable surface for the structure to be installed onto.

Pay particular attention to:

• Overall dimensions
• Squareness
• Level
• Finished floor height
• Position of the external walls
• Drainage and water management

The base is too important to leave until the kit arrives. If you are preparing the base yourself, work through the requirements carefully before starting construction.

For a more detailed look at this part of the project, see our guide to DIY conservatory foundations.

7. Plan Your Doors and Windows

Think about how people will enter and move around the conservatory before you finalise your specification.

The position of your doors can influence the internal layout, while the number and position of opening windows can affect ventilation.

Consider:

• Door position
• Door opening direction
• Number of opening windows
• Ventilation requirements
• Furniture placement
• Access to the garden
• Relationship with existing doors and windows

Planning these details alongside the conservatory layout is much easier than trying to change them once the structure has been ordered.

8. Choose Your Roof Specification

The roof has a major influence on the finished appearance and how the conservatory performs throughout the year.

There are several roof options available, including glazed, polycarbonate and solid tiled systems.

When comparing options, consider:

• Thermal performance
• Amount of natural light
• Appearance
• Weight
• Maintenance
• How the conservatory will be used

A roof that works well for a dining or entertaining space may not necessarily be the same specification you would choose for a room intended to be used as a home office or living area.

If you are still comparing roof options, our guide to glass, polycarbonate and solid tiled conservatory roofs
provides a useful starting point.

9. Understand What Comes With the DIY Kit

Before placing your order, make sure you understand exactly what is included.

A properly specified DIY conservatory kit should give you a clear understanding of the components you are receiving and what will need to be sourced separately.

Check the specification for items such as:

• Structural profiles
• Roof components
• Glazing
• Doors and windows
• Fixings and connectors
• Guttering and drainage components
• Roof covering
• Assembly instructions

Do not assume that every supplier includes the same components as standard.

If something is unclear, ask before ordering rather than discovering you need additional materials halfway through the build.

10. Check Delivery and Access

It is easy to concentrate on the conservatory itself and overlook how the kit is going to reach the installation area.

Before ordering, check the route from the delivery vehicle to the building site.

Think about:

• Driveway access
• Narrow gates
• Side passages
• Steps
• Walls and fences
• Overhead obstructions
• Where materials can safely be stored

A DIY conservatory kit contains numerous components, so having a clear and accessible area ready for delivery can make the installation much easier.

11. Review Your Measurements Before Production

This is one of the most important stages of the entire process.

Before your conservatory goes into production, go back through your measurements and specification and check everything again.

Confirm:

Dimensions
Are the width and projection correct?

Layout
Are the doors and windows in the right positions?

Style
Have you selected the correct conservatory design?

Roof
Is the roof configuration and pitch suitable?

Base
Does the base correspond with the dimensions you have supplied?

Access
Can the components reach the installation area?

Specification
Have you included everything you need?

Taking the time to check these details before production gives you the opportunity to resolve any uncertainty before the kit reaches your property.

12. Your Final DIY Conservatory Ordering Checklist

Before you place your order, run through the following list:

Conservatory width confirmed
Conservatory projection confirmed
Existing host wall checked
Conservatory style selected
Dwarf wall or full-height glazing decided
Roof height and pitch checked
Base dimensions confirmed
Door positions confirmed
Window positions confirmed
Roof specification selected
Kit contents understood
Delivery access checked
Final measurements reviewed

If everything is ticked off, you should have a much clearer specification to work from.

Ordering a DIY Conservatory Kit

Choosing the right kit is only part of the process. Getting the measurements, layout and specification right before ordering is what helps turn the kit into a straightforward self-build project.

At Trade Price Conservatories, our DIY conservatory kits are designed around the four main styles: Lean-To, Edwardian, Victorian and Gable-End.

Whether you are looking for a practical addition to the side or rear of your property or want to create a larger feature space, starting with accurate measurements and a clear specification will help you order with confidence.

If you already know the style you want, you can explore the relevant conservatory range and start planning your project from there.