Thinking of a small extension

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Rachs

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I have an L-shape kitchen and dining room with double doors and thinking of building a small extension, with a conservatory/sunroom just outside the doors. However I want to knock the kitchen wall to have a larger access (I know it sounds complicated!) The problem is that I dont know where to start - do I need a builder and a conservatory installer? Do I need planning permission? I saw a previous thread here about conservatories and it was helpful. Has anyone had anything similar done? What company did you use? How much did it cost? To be honest I am dreading the thought, but I really need the room! Any suggestions would be gratefully recieved.
 
In south Dublin you can build 40SQ Metres without pp if there is at least 20SQ of garden left, kitchen wall is easy to take down just make sure u have supports in place and get correct rsj, I done mine last year throught a family builder friend, get quotes if u want a number of my guy send pm, check posts here because there are threads that will help you
 
You shouldn't need a specialist conservatory installer, most small builders deal with conservatories all the time.

Personally I would recommend a tiled/slate roof (to match existing house) rather than glass - it keeps the heat in in winter, and allows the low winter rays into the house, while at the same time preventing the place from overheating in summer.
If there is slightly limited light, then also consider veluxes.

Be aware of north and the direction of the sun around the house - especially western light which would be the most important for dining areas (barbies in the setting sun etc.)

Be aware of the best access to any patios - and integrate the conservatory with any patios and further into the garden.

Also be aware of any access requirements from the kitchen to the utility to the outside.

Talk to your local Planning Authority (or check out online) regarding Planning exemptions - it is 40 sq. m., but there are other qualifications involved as well so make sure you qualify under all headings.
 
I'd agree with Superman. Glass gets very hot in summer and sometimes renders the room unuseable. Gets very cold in winter and loses heat from rest of the house.

If you do go for glass roof, make sure it has some kind of window/opening in it to allow hot air to escape. Our neighbours had one built a few years ago, tented the ceiling in muslin for privacy. However they have to open the doors in any kind of warm weather (south facing) so flies, wasps, bees etc., get in but can't get out. They end up dead and rotting under the muslin. Don't know how they feel about it but it's disgusting to look at when I open my bedroom window in the mornings.
 
Thanks for the advice. I never thought about the heat/cold if I have a glass roof, so the velux windows sound like a good idea and the area is west facing Being honest, I was out off by the thought of a glass roof anyway simply beacuse of the upkeep, all it takes is a few incontinent birds and you will be scrubbing for half the day!
 
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