Wickes Conservatory - Installation Costs?

Jazzycat

Hi,

I have been kindly directed by a user here that wickes sell good conservatories. I have had a look at they do look good. Will visit in store consultant if costs of installing are not too prohibitive.

Does anyone know how much it would cost me to get a builder to lay the foundation, build dwarf wall and then erect? I have an existing patio but think this will need to come out at the conservatory is bigger in depth.

I am looking at a "p" shape one of about 6.1 x 4.3

A ball park figure would be great as a guide and if possible what sort of timescale are we looking at.

many thanks all.

woodbutcher_2

Just been on the phone to a mate of mine who works for a window and conservatory company sorting all the building work.He says the brickies they use would charge about £3200.00 for a base of that shape and size including materials and vat.Other things to consider are if there is any drainage to sort out which can add to the price.You also need to budget for electrical and plumbing work and some kind of flooring,floating floor or tiling.You would probably be looking at another thousand to erect the conservatory.

Bear in mind that the area we live is on the cheaper side for building work and it may be a lot more where you live.

Jazzycat

thanks woodbutcher, great advice.

I am really surpised the cost is so high for the base. I had thought nearer to £2200. roughly £200 per day per man, 2 man job, 4 days £1600 plus vat. Additional £300 for materials and skip. Maybe I'm being unrealistic.

I'm on a slight natural slope away from the house so drainage is ok.

I'm in essex so supply of builders should be reasonable.

I really want an all in job for no more than £10k, but want control over the project and fear that a lot of conservatory firms scrimp on quality and workmanship - not the workmens faults - their bosses want the job done in double quick time.

woodbutcher_2

You may be near the mark with the labour costs(£130.00 per day round these parts) but you are miles out with the material costs.A large skip is £130.00 to start with,bricks up to £40.00 per hundred,sand,cemet,wall ties,insulation,concrete,drainage and the hire of a mini digger if they use one.

And by drainage i mean the pipes underground which will need sorting.On a conny that size you will need two gulleys,one at each end.

Bear in mind that this is a large conny and speaking as someone who has built several,i know how much hard work there is involved in a "P" shaped.I seriously doubt that two men would build this in 4 days.

Jazzycat

woodbutcher thanks for the update.

I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend at all - I didn't realise the extent of all the work that you have pointed out (diy and building is not my forte).

I appreciate the figure you have indicated and will work on that basis.

many thanks.

woodbutcher_2

No offence whatsoever taken.One of the reasons i am posting on this site a lot at the moment is due to having a flare up of the very bad back acquired during my five years building conservatories.Me and a mate sub-contracted to a local firm but i gave up due to back problems and my mate was offered the job of contracts manager at said firm.There's nothing he doesn't know about conservatories,being one of the best brickies i have ever worked with.Other costs to consider is planning and building regs if you need them.

Jazzycat

woodbutcher,

would you or your mate recommend Wickes conservatories or are they much of a muchness?

woodbutcher_2

I have never really looked at wickes conservatories.They probably have them made by one of the big manufacturers anyway and stick a profit on top.There are several firms advertising conservatories supply only and most uPVC firms are happy to do the the same if you want to oversee the building work yourself.Once bought,the brickies can use the cill as a template for the base.If you try Wickes,the least you will get are some free plans and ideas to help you make up your mind.

Jazzycat

seems to be getting more complicated.

Just rang council on planning etc. As house has already had 2 storey extension, I have probably used my 70 cubic mtr allowance so do need to apply (unless its separated by a wall!).

So need to get plans first then send in and wait for approval. They say can take up to 5 weeks for decision and approval. I always thought this took ages longer.

Plan is to get it in this year though so should still be well on course (famous last words!)