Colour-Framed Conservatory Orders Up Five-Fold

Cheshire-based Crystal Windows, which specialises in premium and exclusive conservatory design, says orders for colour-framed conservatories are up five fold on 2007.

'For 30 years the UK has seemed fixated with white pvc conservatories - we had no orders for colour in 2003, 8% of orders in 2007 were non-white, but in 2008 40% of our orders are for colour frames,' said Tony Wooderson of Crystal Windows.

'This is a major shift in demand from a usually conservative British buyer. But for the past 15 years the European market has been developing and establishing processes involving chemically-bonded colour finishes that mean any colour can now be specified - and Brits are finally buying into it.'

Tony predicts that by 2009 around 60% of conservatories will be specified with colour frames.

'The key is subtlety because it will be permanent. The colour does not just sit on top of the pvc, it becomes a part of it. Convincing timber-effect finishes are now also available thanks to a material known as 'woodgrain foil' which is overlaid and bonded, and then itself can also be chemically bonded with the customer's desired colour finish to produce a coloured and convincing wood-effect.

'Two thirds of the potential market does not realise that coloured pvc is now completely UV and weather-resistant, meaning conservatories can look as good as new for decades.

'Conservatories are becoming a solution for people who need more space, but are not willing to move during a house price downturn. In a nutshell, a £20,000 conservatory will not only add the same sort of value to a house, but it will immensely improve and enhance the living area,' said Tony.

'A conservatory is one of the three most popular home improvement along with kitchens and bathrooms - but adds the most in value; it's not just a summer room. Most work all-year round and have a dual or crossover purpose.

'And conservatories rarely need planning permission - if they do, then we deal with it - and the modern generation of conservatories have incredibly efficient insulation. What's more, by investing in premium materials such as self-cleaning glass or special paint and finishes, they stay in top condition both day-to-day and longer term,' said Tony.

Crystal Windows is based in Poynton, Cheshire. It was established in 1992. Crystal designs and installs conservatories with an average value of £17,500 when the average in the market is £7,500.

Web: http://www.crystal-windows.co.uk