Lots of people think of building a conversatory after the initial house build. There are a number of regulations required and the house holder should get a copy of the building regulations before any building commences. In general, a domestic conservatory is exempt under Irish building regulations. However the building must be seen as a conversatory and not an extension to the house. This is crucial as as extension usually requires planning consent and is subject to greater building regulation requirements, while a conservatory usually does not require planning consent and the building regulation requirements are much more relaxed. There are limits to the size and extent of a conservatory which can be built without planning permission – the current rules can be found on the government’s planning portal.
Perhaps the best advice is to ask for recommendations of work done by the building company and just go and see an actual built conversatory for yourself. Most people are glad to help and will take the time to show you the conversatory and will discuss any issues with the building. Take your time and do the homework and then there will be no surprises. There is a very interesting article in The Irish Times written by Val O’Brien who is a chartered building surveyor and member of the Building Surveying Professional Group of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/property/2012/0621/1224318333612.html
This article covers the first step of the project and perhaps the most important of all.