Conservatory built on patio

Jaypb · 25 May 2020

Hi we brought our house a couple of years ago and just got round to replacing the old decking with a patio. The workman uncovered that the conservatory looks to be built on top of an old patio. It's at least 20 years old and although it doesn't seem the finest build ever it doesn't show any sign of issues so far.
I know there probably isnt much we can do about it now but am just after any thoughts as to if we should be concerned giving how long it has been standing?
We did have a survey when buying the house, I'm assuming it isn't something they should have picked up?

Thanks for any thoughts or advice

noseall · 25 May 2020

It won't be an issue until it becomes an issue. You may find that the winter months have more to say about the quality of the build than the present warm dry season.

noseall · 25 May 2020

Jaypb said:
We did have a survey when buying the house, I'm assuming it isn't something they should have picked up?

With surveys, you get what you pay for.

Jaypb · 25 May 2020

I know the wet winter can cause new problems but as I say it's been up at least 20 years so has been through it's share of bad weather. I know theres no sure answer but was wondering whether an issue with the foundations would have likely become evident by now? Obviously don't know what's underneath the slabs, there is also alot of concrete bits in the ground.
We had the highest level survey but am I correct in thinking they look for existing or potential issues rather than examining the foundations?

John D v2.0 · 25 May 2020

I doubt they would notice that and I'm not sure what loss you would suffer in order to claim for.
To be honest half the time a conservatory is a blot on a house so it could be argued that it makes it easier when you want to get rid of it!
But joking aside if it's fit for purpose as much as was obvious when you viewed it then you can't really claim against anyone.

Jaypb · 26 May 2020

I know conservatories aren't for everyone but the extra space it gives was a real bonus. And yes just what I was thinking how would you put a price on what we would be compensated. Not too worried as long as it keeps standing. Does anyone have a view on it being a good sign that it seems ok after 20 years?

^woody^ · 26 May 2020

What it's the actual problem with it that's now making it a big issue after all this time?

Jaypb · 26 May 2020

Just that we have just found out that it looks to be built on a patio. Had no reason to be concerned before knowing that

^woody^ · 26 May 2020

Forget about it

kingandy2nd · 26 May 2020

Jaypb said:
Hi we brought our house a couple of years ago and just got round to replacing the old decking with a patio. The workman uncovered that the conservatory looks to be built on top of an old patio. It's at least 20 years old and although it doesn't seem the finest build ever it doesn't show any sign of issues so far.
I know there probably isnt much we can do about it now but am just after any thoughts as to if we should be concerned giving how long it has been standing?
We did have a survey when buying the house, I'm assuming it isn't something they should have picked up?

Thanks for any thoughts or advice

Could it be a conservatory with a Duracell steel base?

My conservatory could have been built on a patio using a steel base (apparently)

Jaypb · 26 May 2020

Never heard of them before just had a quick Google and could well explain it. Are you in a similar situation? I assume there's no real way of telling

kingandy2nd · 26 May 2020

Jaypb said:
Never heard of them before just had a quick Google and could well explain it. Are you in a similar situation? I assume there's no real way of telling

I bought a second hand conservatory which had one of these steel bases. It was originally a DIY conservatory, so thankfully for me, it came with all the instructions and a guide on how to put together the floor/walls. That's where I read about how the base 'didn't need a full foundation', just a patio or concrete pads under the feet.

Except for using a metal detector or possibly a wire detector on the floor/walls, I can't think of any obvious way to tell without starting to be destructive - if you took the plaster off somewhere in the inside you'd not find bricks, just a hollow steel frame. Equally, the outside is covered in brick slips (very thin bricks) so if you started chipping away you'd soon find cement board.

As has been said, if it's been standing for 20 years it's not going to suddenly fall over now. It'll be fine however it's built/whatever its built on. Just enjoy it for those couple of months of the year when it's not too hot or too cold inside

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Conservatory built on patio

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