DIY conservatory with base

balayya389

hi all
has anyone used these bases from conservatory land , sorry since being a new user I am not allowed to post links , if you google for conservatory land and look for the steel bases they are offering ,

I would like to go with their steel bases with diy conservatory , however I am not sure as some of the local builders were suggesting traditional bases with quotes ranging from 2000£ to 10000£ just for the base , so not sure if traditional base are worth the money

it would be great if anyone has experience with this steel base and how is the heat retention etc

thanks for helping

Doozergirl

Traditional foundations are essential for long term strength.

You wouldn't build a house without foundations, only a shed. The ground moves constantly.

Davesnave

I didn't have to look very long at the company's web site before I saw something that isn't true:

"Plus, when you install the base, it’s bolted to your house – strong and safe, just like a traditional build."

It is not like a traditional build at all. It relies on support at key points, which the site suggests might be paving slabs, but which could be concrete pads of some substance. I guess it's up to the consumer.

The steel frame might well be strong enough to support the walls and the rest of the superstructure, but the key thing will be whether the foundation pads will stay sufficiently firm for the ground conditions.You are responsible for those, so if you get them wrong, there will be no come-back.

Mistral001

Usually small conservatories do not require Planning Permission or Building Control Permission, so that is why some people do not build a proper base. You do that at your risk and the conservatory company will walk away from any problems that you have, as they will no doubt have disclaimers in their small print. That's if they are still trading when you raise any problems with them.

Bases if not put on proper foundations can sink several inches, or they might sink at one end only and pull away from the main house.

Treat like building a house extension, with proper foundations as has been said.

PS. There will be some people who have been lucky and have had no problems with these bases, but remember when people make a mistake by going with the cheaper option and have problems they do not boast about it in the same way as the smug person who took a chance and was just lucky. So there could be quite a few problem conservatories out there that we never hear about.