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Both planning permission and building regulations are governed by your local authority, but they are two separate issues which are easily and frequently confused. In brief, planning permission concerns whether you have the permission to erect a building or extend your home (e.g. with a conservatory). Building regulations on the other hand outline certain standards and parameters which must be followed and determine how your conservatory or extension is constructed.

Homeowners can easily see the benefits of adding a self-build conservatory to their home. For most people, they are the most cost-effective way to add extra living space to their homes and an appealing environment where home meets garden. A DIY conservatory can also add real cash value to your home too.

But having decided to invest in a conservatory, many customers can quickly become bewildered by the many styles of DIY conservatory design and options available to them. From simple lean-tos to more elaborate Edwardian and Victorian styles, to contemporary designs, it can be difficult to know where to start. Furthermore, that amazing conservatory you saw on another house, in a glossy magazine or lifestyle blog, might not necessarily be the best fit for your home.

The benefits of adding a conservatory to a home are well known. Unless you live in a palace, any home will benefit from the bright, airy and comfortable extra living space a well-designed conservatory can bring. Your conservatory is the ideal place to relax with the family, enjoy views of your garden (whatever the weather), and will instantly add to the market value of your home.

However, although a conservatory can be an excellent investment, the cost of buying one through a traditional conservatory or glazing company can be staggering. With their army of sharp-suited sales reps, traditional conservatory companies add considerably to the price through commissions, unfavourable finance deals, overheads and the mandatory use of in-house building staff. These extra costs quickly make adding that beautiful new conservatory beyond the reach of many homeowners, especially in these uncertain money-conscious times.