The short answer
The most important checks when choosing a conservatory company are: FENSA registration (mandatory for glazing work); a written, itemised quote specifying glass performance data; public liability and deposit insurance; and references from completed projects. Avoid any company that pressures you to sign on the day or refuses to provide a written specification. See get conservatory quotes to start comparing.
The conservatory and home improvement sector has a mixed reputation, and there are well-documented cases of homeowners paying large deposits to companies that subsequently fail. The tools to protect yourself are straightforward: check the installer is FENSA-registered, ensure any deposit is covered by an insurance-backed guarantee, obtain at least three written quotes that include the glass specification and U-values, and take references from recent completed jobs. This guide sets out the full checklist so the choice is made on substance rather than on the most confident salesperson.
Choosing a conservatory company at a glance
- FENSA check Register at fensa.org.uk — confirms glazing compliance
- Minimum quotes At least 3 written, itemised quotes
- Deposit protection Confirm deposit insurance or low deposit
- References Ask for 2–3 recent completed jobs you can visit or call
- Specification Glass SHGC, U-value, frame system in writing
- Red flag Pressure to sign same day, large deposit, no spec
FENSA registration — why it matters
FENSA (the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) is the government-authorised scheme under which window and conservatory glazing installers can self-certify that their work complies with Building Regulations Part L (thermal performance) and Part N (safety glazing). A FENSA-registered installer certifies each job, registers it with the local authority, and issues the homeowner with a FENSA certificate. This certificate is important evidence of compliance and is typically required by solicitors and lenders when you sell or remortgage. Without a FENSA certificate for glazing work, you may need to commission a building regulations inspection retrospectively, which adds cost and complication. Check any prospective installer’s FENSA registration at fensa.org.uk before proceeding. Local authority building control (LABC) can also approve glazing work as an alternative route to FENSA, but FENSA is the more common route for conservatory installers.
Getting meaningful written quotes
A meaningful conservatory quote should include all of the following:
- Frame system: the specific profile system being used (manufacturer and system name), not just the material.
- Glass specification: the U-value and SHGC of the roof glass; the U-value of the wall glazing; whether self-cleaning or solar-control coatings are included.
- Base specification: the type of base (concrete raft, dwarf wall) and what is included in groundworks.
- Doors and windows: number, type (French, bifold, casement) and opening mechanism.
- Electrics and heating: whether electrical connection, lighting and heating provision are included.
- Programme: expected manufacturing lead time, groundworks date and installation date.
- Payment schedule: deposit amount, stage payments and final balance trigger.
- Guarantee: terms and length of the manufacturer and installer guarantee, and whether it is insurance-backed.
| Checklist item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| FENSA registration | Legal compliance, conveyancing certificate |
| Glass U-value and SHGC | Compare performance, not just price |
| Deposit insurance | Protects money if company fails |
| 3+ written quotes | Identifies outliers, establishes market rate |
| References | Confirms completed job quality |
| Written programme | Sets schedule expectations |
References and completed work
A reliable conservatory company will be willing to provide references from recent completed jobs — ideally within the last 12 months and in your general area. Ask for two or three references you can contact directly, not just a list of testimonials on the company’s website. Ask the referee specifically: did the installation finish on time and on budget? Were there any snagging issues and how quickly were they resolved? Has the conservatory performed as expected? A company that hesitates to provide references or provides only written testimonials should prompt caution.
Red flags to avoid
Trading Standards and Citizens Advice have documented the patterns associated with poor conservatory selling practice. Be cautious of any company that: presents a “today only” discount or insists you sign on the same day as the sales visit; requests a deposit of more than 25 % before a manufacturing date is confirmed; cannot confirm FENSA registration or the name of the IBG provider; refuses to provide a written specification with performance data; or uses high-pressure sales tactics including repeated follow-up calls. The right company for this size of investment will allow you adequate time to compare quotes and take references, and will provide all documentation in writing before you commit. This page is general information; always take professional advice before committing to a significant home improvement contract.
Start comparing conservatory quotes
Getting at least three written quotes from FENSA-registered companies — with specifications, programme and payment terms included — is the right way to approach a conservatory purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a conservatory company is FENSA registered?
Search the FENSA register at fensa.org.uk. Enter the company name or postcode to verify their current registration. FENSA registration confirms the company self-certifies glazing compliance with Building Regulations.
How much deposit should I pay for a conservatory?
A deposit of 10–25 % is reasonable. A deposit exceeding 25 % before manufacturing has started is high; only pay it if deposit insurance (an IBG) is confirmed. Never pay the full amount upfront.
How many conservatory quotes should I get?
At least three written quotes, each specifying the glass U-value, SHGC, frame system and base type. This allows genuine comparison and helps identify outliers — both the very cheap (which may involve compromises) and the overpriced.
What is an insurance-backed guarantee for a conservatory?
An insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) is a policy that protects your deposit and your warranty if the conservatory company ceases trading before or after completing the work. Ask for the IBG provider name and confirm it is current before paying any deposit.
Sources & further reading
- FENSA — Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme registration, consumer guidance and installer checker
- Glass & Glazing Federation — Consumer Code, GGF member standards and deposit protection
- GOV.UK / Trading Standards — consumer rights in home improvement contracts, doorstep selling regulations
- LABC — Local Authority Building Control as alternative compliance route to FENSA for glazing work
This is general information about conservatories and orangeries in the UK, not planning, structural, legal or financial advice. Costs are typical illustrations only and are not quotes for any specific project; actual prices vary with size, site conditions and your chosen installer.