Questions you should really ask before you buy your conservatory.
Has you company ever went bust and how long have you been trading?
Over 200+ home improvement companies are currently going bust each month!
Does your conservatory guarantee cover the foundations, base and conservatory shell, for how long and is anything covered for less time?
Warning very few conservatory companies actually guarantee everything for the same time period, many only offer 12 months on handles and hinges!
Is the conservatory guarantee for materials and labour from your company or a 3rd party?
Most are 3rd party guarantees as they do not actually make the conservatory!
Does my conservatory have any independent testing such as a kite mark or better still a BBA certificate?
Most conservatory companies have no testing done at all and have no idea how well your conservatory will perform over time! You will pay more for this reassurance. A BBA cerificate is your reassurance of independantly tested quality fit for purpose.
Will my conservatory contract confirm the depth of foundation proposed is suitable for my location?
This is a major issue in the industry as many companies ignore your actual site conditions such as trees that could damage your conservatory. If you have trees in your garden or a neighbours, are adjancent to water or your garden has sloping soil or in a mining area then you may well need extra depth foundations.
Can you confirm in writing my conservatories can be used day or night in comfort at any time of the year?
If you chose a polycarbonate roof then any answer other than no is not true, you will need a glass roof for all year round use.
Can you prove my conservatory has been tested to BS6399 for wind loads and onerous weather specific to my exact post code?
Warning most conservatory companies test to a generic local post code rather than your specific post code therefore your conservatory may not be strong enough to handle the weather of your exact location. Many cheaper conservatories roofs collapsed after the recent heavy snow!
Does your conservatory price include for any planning permission, building warrants and third party approvals?
If the conservatory company say you do not need anything then assume this may be untrue and verify for yourself by contacting your local planning department and building control department; This is particularly relevant if you live in Scotland as it is very difficult to build a conservatory without some form of approvals, England and Wales are a little more relaxed on these points, however you should still check for yourself.
Can you pay the deposit for your conservatory by credit card and do you have a finance option?
The credit card protects your deposit and taking the finance over 12 to 24 months is generally as cheap as the cash price however has the added benefit the finance company is legally bound by the Consumer Credit Act to match any guarantees offered. “Handy if the conservatory company goes bust.”
Is their anything not included in your price that I may legally require, for example handrails, disabled access ramps, steps, moving utility equipment, electrical certificates etc?
Better to ask the question and have any answer explained to you and get it added to the contract.
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In summary the more positive answers you get the better your conservatory will be and the lower your risk is.
