• A flat roof is easier to work with but pitched roofs are also viable, although more building work will be involved.

• Find out whether you need planning permission, then contact your local planning authority. Applications take anything from a few months to several years.

• Expect to pay between £7,500 and £45,000, and remember that a roof terrace increases a property’s value by 10% to 25%.

• Consider employing a company that does the entire job for you. Urban Roof Gardens (0800-652 8848) offers a full service, from design and construction to planting.

• To minimise weight on the roof, choose plastic pots and mix normal compost with a product such as perlite or hydroleca.

• For a sheltered terrace, use Mediterranean plants such as olives or oranges. For windy, exposed areas, go for grasses and bamboo.

• Install a couple of waterproof power sockets and choose circuit breakers and lighting specifically designed for outdoors.

SOURCE: TIME OUT
THE WEEK 5 May 2007