Conservatory Craftsmen

<em>Please do not let the address of Conservatory Craftsmen deter you.  They work all around the country and have many customers on the East coast and Northeast.</em> <br /> We were horrified at what Hurricane Sandy did to our 1892 home in the fall of 2012.  After months of negotiation with our insurance company, we were able to settle on a greenhouse replacement.  The insurance company did not want to cover the full cost of the replacement because, understandably, a greenhouse is an unusual product and most had little experience with an attached greenhouse made to go with a restored Victorian home. <br /> Here's how it will probably go for you if you don't have an architect or designer working for you:  You will find 'kits' that look ok but cost tens of thousands of dollars.  The contractors who install these are generally skilled local guys who may or may not have worked together.  If there is a problem it will be up to the homeowner or the GC or architect to negotiate over any issues that arise. because there are many disparate parties involved. <br /> On the other end of the spectrum are the high end products, of which CC is one.  These are all custom products with knowledgable and dedicated business people at the helm.  The cost will reflect this. <br /> The difference is that Conservatory Craftsmen never relegated us to a brochure; took the time and energy over months to explain who their product (made in England) was different than many others, to justify the high cost, and to educate us about the different technical aspects of owning, building and caring for a greenhouse. <br /> It was this passion and care that Jim demonstrated that convinced us; once we knew we were going high end, we knew Jim and his company was the right choice. Jim travels with a team that lives together away from home during weeks when they are servicing and building greenhouses and solariums; they know each other, spend time together, understand Jim's product completely. I will never have to talk to anyone else (except my electrician and the mason who will repair the stucco walls) about this product. <br /> Our greenhouse was particularly large and we were committed to the footprint because of the epay floor and stucco walls.  It measures about 24' by 14' and cost in the area of $80 with very few extras. <br /> The windows themselves are a work of art:  while locked you can adjust them to allow air flow,  the door screen (our only extra) magically appears when we want it to.  The upper windows wind open easily with a removable 'opener' (I am sure there is a word for this; it fits intot he upper window and screws the vents open and closed)   <br /> Jim was the most patient man ever.  He explained his product, got to know us, respected our time and privacy and was a complete pleasure.  He loves his greenhouses, his family helps run this business professionally, and he is without doubt the pied piper of greenhouses.  See his website and you'll see some beautiful examples that ourshine our simple version.  We recommend Jim and CC unequivocally! <br />