Issue 7 June 2004
WIN TICKETS TO THE EDEN PROJECT

Win tickets to visit Cornwall's two enormous conservatories set in a 50 metre deep crater.

Two giant conservatories at the Eden Project, near St Austell, combine a marvellous piece of science-related architecture with a home for thousands of important and beautiful plants from three of the world's climate zones.

Simply click through to www.findabuilder.co.uk to enter the prize draw to win a pair of entrance tickets. (Competition closes 31st July 2004).

Analysts have singled out conservatories as the real investment stars for creating extra room and extra value in your home.

However, shoddy installation by cowboy builders can significantly reduce any potential financial gain of adding a conservatory.

With this in mind, the FMB has teamed up with K2, one of the largest conservatory installers in the UK, to launch an Approved Installer Scheme. The aim of the product is to provide customer confidence when installing conservatories. Click here for more info.

Do your research - make sure you are buying the best quality structure within your budget
Do make sure you ask your builder what is included in his quote - is it inclusive of flooring and electrics or will you be left with a bare shell?
Do install effective heating and ventilation arrangements so that you can use it in all seasons
Don't try to build your own conservatory
Don't choose a design, which is not in keeping with your house
Do check out whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval if you go ahead without it you may have to take it down
Do think about the position of your conservatory - if it's south facing it will need good ventilation and shade, if it's north facing it will need efficient heating

For more dos and don'ts on conservatories, click here.


LOOKING FOR A BUILDER?

Don't forget you can search the FMB's member database, containing 13,000 builders and contractors, at www.findabuilder.co.uk. 		  COMPETITION WINNER

Winner of the House Beautiful competition was Barbara Compton from Prestwick in Ayrshire.
 

The Essential Guide to Home Improvement
For further information check out the FMB's web site at:

www.findabuilder.co.uk

or telephone 08000 152522 for a free copy of The Essential Guide to Home Improvement, which is packed with sound advice on planning home improvement projects, and choosing and working with your builder.

For further information on K2 conservatories - click through to www.k2buildingsystems.com.

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