Getting quotations.

To get the best out of any conservatory supplier, try to maintain a friendly but professional rapport, these are human beings after all. Don't end up as the customer from hell, it doesn't make for good relations, good morale - or a good installation.

Historically, double glazing and conservatory companies have been given bad press. But if you assume that each one in the business is trying to get “one over” you, you would be mistaken. With a reputable company, their advice may be in your best interests - and theirs. After all, a happy conservatory owner is in fact, their best advertisement.

Of course you should remain vigilant, there are cowboys out there – but always prepared to listen to advice – especially if problems occur and get a second opinion if necessary. If you constantly assume the worst of your supplier - the experience will be unpleasant for both parties.

If you try to beat every supplier's price into the ground, then you'll eventually end up with someone cutting corners during the installation. The better companies, those with confidence in their products and services will not wish to trade down anyway, - generally only the less professional will usually have this "flexibility". You can of course negotiate, but simply put, if you try to be too clever, it could come unstuck. So, open, fair and honest negotiation, will more often than not result in smiling faces all round. If you provide a list of the "must have" elements required, ask each company to give their best price. But don't expect to get a conservatory with a glass roof, Pilkington "K" glass and Argon filled units for the price of a standard double glazed conservatory with a polycarbonate roof.

You might need to allow for "extras" or additions you may make to the order after you place your initial order. Not every build goes exactly to plan, unforeseen local conditions can genuinely cause problems which a reputable builder will overcome, but in many cases it would be unfair to expect builders to bear the extra cost. Allow around 10% or so "emergency money".

Finally, buy the best possible conservatory you can afford. For a relatively small additional sum spent now you can have a conservatory which will give you many years of satisfaction. Of course you want value for money - but don't try doing it too cheaply. Consider glass roofs, Pilkington "K" glass (Low E)etc. A well built conservatory will add value to a property. A poorly constructed one will often put off potential home buyers and reduce the offer price.