Adding an extension to your home may not always be a straightforward process. As a home owner, when contacting orangery installers, it is important to understand what will happen at each stage and how the work may affect the rest of your property. An orangery can give you extra living space without the need to move house. From the first design ideas through to the final installation, understanding the process can help you prepare for the work and decide whether an orangery is right for your home (learn more).
Why Get a Home Extension?
There are several signs that you may be in need of a home extension. Even as your life changes and you require more room, moving house may not be your preferred option. Home owners put a lot of time and thought into choosing a property, and leaving a well-loved home is not always necessary. Working from home has also become much more common, which can create a need for a dedicated office. A spare bedroom may previously have provided this space, but changes to family life can quickly mean that room is needed for another purpose. You may also simply want a larger living area, dining room or place where the family can spend time together. Calling experienced orangery installers Kirkby Lonsdale can provide another option by extending the usable space on the ground floor of your home.
Design and Planning
Once you have decided that you need more space, the next step is choosing how your new extension should look and how you plan to use it. An orangery combines features commonly found in both traditional extensions and conservatories. Brick or stone columns can provide structural support, while sections of solid wall offer additional privacy. Large windows allow plenty of natural light into the room, while a framed roof helps create a defined living area. During the design stage, you can discuss the size of the orangery, window positions, doors, roofing options and how the new structure will connect with your existing property. Your chosen orangery installers can also discuss any planning or building requirements that may apply before construction begins.
Preparing Your Home for Construction
Before building work starts, the installation area must be prepared. This may involve clearing part of the garden, removing an existing conservatory or preparing the ground for new foundations. Foundations are an important part of the installation because they support the weight of the new structure. Once these are complete, construction can begin on the walls, supporting columns and main frame. During this stage, there may be some disruption around your home. Access to parts of the garden may be limited, and building materials or equipment may need to remain on site while work continues.
Installing the Orangery
Once the main structure is in place, windows, doors and roofing can be installed. This is when the orangery begins to look like a finished room rather than an active building project. Internal work can then take place. Depending on the design, this may include flooring, plastering, electrical work, lighting and heating. The connection between the orangery and the existing home will also be completed so that both areas work together as one living space. Working with established orangery installers Lancaster can help make sure each stage is completed correctly and that the new extension suits the existing property.
Final Checks and Finishing Work
Before the project is finished, the completed orangery should be checked carefully. Windows and doors should open correctly, roofing should be secure, and all internal work should be completed as agreed. Once the final checks have been carried out, you can begin furnishing and using the room. Your new orangery could become a dining area, home office, lounge, playroom or another useful part of your home. Choosing experienced orangery installers can help you understand the installation process from the first design ideas through to completion. To find out more about orangery installations in Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancaster and the surrounding areas, visit the South Lakes Windows website.