If you want to extend the ground floor of your home, there are several options available to you. Some people choose to have single-storey extension built. Others may prefer to convert an existing garage, or have a small conservatory installed.
Cost of an orangery
When pricing up your proposed orangery, it’s wise to think of it in terms of a single storey-extension. Thinking of it like a conservatory will only lead to surprise once you realise the lower cost bracket for a basic orangery is commonly upwards of £20,000.
Prepare to pay for the best if you want long-lasting results. A cheaply constructed orangery may look attractive in the early years but you’ll start to notice weathering and structural defects as time goes on.
It’s difficult to put an upper cost bracket on the price of orangeries, as larger, high-end designs can easily cost over £100,000. However, you’ll find that most orangeries will range in price between £20,000 and £50,000.
Usually, the actual price you pay depends on the size of the orangery and the structural materials used. Architectural aluminium, for example, will be a more expensive framing option than UPVC.
There are several additional elements you need to factor in when pricing up your orangery. These include:
Foundations and Building Expenses
The labour costs involved in building an orangery are substantial as you will need to employ a range of contractors all specialising in different areas (unless you choose to go with a specialist orangery company).
Roof Style
Whilst conservatories tend to feature pitched roofs made of cheap materials, orangeries often require a roof lantern.
Roof Ventilation and Underfloor Insulation/Heating
Without these features, the room could become uncomfortable in both hot and cold weather.
Window Frame Style and Material
UPVC will cost less than timber or aluminium.
Walls
Depending on the location of your orangery, you may need fully glazed walls, a full height brick wall, or dwarf walls. Generally speaking, more bricks equal more cost.
Doors
These must be considered carefully, as they are difficult to install after the frame has been constructed.
To get the best prices for your orangery, fill in the Tradesmen Prices form at the top of this page. We’ll provide you with 3-4 quotes from local contractors who will be able to complete your orangery build exactly to your needs and specifications.
Have you considered building an orangery?
An orangery combines elements of a single-storey extension and a conservatory to create a highly unique living space.
Orangeries are traditionally far more expensive than an average lean-to conservatory but the benefits are available all year round – they combine natural light with solid structural properties and insulated walls, making them ideal living spaces whatever the weather. They are incredibly versatile and allow for maximum personalisation during the design and decoration phases.
With Tradesmen Prices, you can access 3-4 orangery quotes from reliable tradespeople, local to you. To receive these personalised estimates, simply fill in the form just below.
Types of Orangery
As orangeries are essentially luxury conservatory/extension hybrids, their features will vary depending on your personal preference. You’ll find that the materials you choose for your orangery will greatly impact its design and price.
It’s common for those on a budget to cut corners when it comes to the structure of their orangery. This can be detrimental to the future of your new build and may end up costing far more in repairs in the long run.
There are a few common materials used for creating the framework of an orangery. They are as follows:
UPVC
Sometimes known as ‘rigid PVC’, uPVC is a hard, inflexible material which does not contain BPA or phthalates, making it one of the safest building materials available.UPVC is used in the construction of orangeries as well as in window frames and sills, doors, fascia, cladding, and pipework. It is a very low maintenance material which will neither warp nor rot, despite adverse weather conditions. An advantage of UPVC is that it can carry colour all the way through the material, making it extremely visually appealing, and highly customisable.
Timber
In the past, the timber used to build permanent structures was untreated, and over time became prone to rotting and warping. These days, the timber used by most construction companies is either a treated wood sprayed with micro-porous paint, or a composite timber combining various strengths of wood for a solid, reliable building material.Building an orangery using timber offers the option of creating a roof which features exposed rafters – this is a desirable and stylish asset which will almost certainly add value to your property.
Architectural Aluminium
Architectural aluminium has come a long way since the cheap looking greenhouses of the seventies. These days, you can use architectural aluminium to construct the frame of your orangery and it brings many benefits, including:
• slim, rigid, strong frames.
• no warping, twisting, or rusting.
• no need for reinforcement as architectural aluminium is nearly equivalent in strength to mild steel.
• melting point of 660°C provides security as someone trying to break in with a blowtorch would be unable to melt the structure.
• maintenance free, as it does not attract dirt electrostatically and does not require annual servicing.
Cost of an Orangery FAQ
Why would someone want an orangery?
Orangeries are typically built for two reasons:
- The homeowner wants to increase available floorspace, and
- The homeowner wants to increase the value of their property.
Homeowners love that orangeries offer guaranteed extra space and the opportunity to design a part of their home exactly to their personal specifications.
What are the disadvantages of building an orangery?
Building an orangery will cause disruption within your home as it’s being built. This is something that could put off a homeowner trying to decide between an orangery and a loft conversion, for example.
Additionally, unless carefully managed, your project could encounter unforeseen complications which could end up costing you more than your budget allows.
Are there alternatives to building an orangery?
Orangeries do come at a significant cost, and for some people, building a single-storey extension may actually be of greater benefit to their home for a similar price. Usually, a ground-floor extension provides a more traditional living space which blends with your existing interior style.
Similarly, if all you’re looking for is a space-creating solution, the comparatively cheaper option of converting an existing garage may appeal to you.
Another option is to convert your loft into a large living space. Both of these conversions are extremely versatile but will not allow for as much customisation as constructing an orangery can.
What are the main benefits of building an orangery?
Choosing to build an orangery over a simple conservatory or single-storey extension can add considerable value to your home and provide a worthy return on investment in the long run.
An orangery will traditionally cost slightly less than a single-storey extension, especially if the work is carefully planned and budgeted for. However, an orangery is likely to add just as much value to your property as an extension of the same dimensions would.
In this example, you can see that building an orangery over a single-storey extension could save you money over time whilst adding that special element of interest to your home that only an orangery is capable of.
Additionally, orangeries are often highly bespoke builds. Most specialist orangery companies will offer a near infinite range of personalisation options, including the style of frame, finishing touches, and integration into your existing garden and property.
Plus, orangeries are fantastic all year round as a multi-purpose space. Thanks to extension-comparable structure and insulation, with conservatory-inspired glass panels, your orangery isn’t solely a seasonal room.
Will I need planning permission to build an orangery?
Typically, orangeries are considered Permitted Developments, meaning they don’t require planning permission.
However, planning permission will be necessary, if:
- The orangery covers more than half of the area of land surrounding the original house
- The orangery is higher than the highest part of the roof
- The orangery extends beyond the rear wall of the original house, by six metres for a detached property, and four for an attached property.
Additionally, if your home is within a conservation area, subject to an Article 4 Directive, or is a listed building, construction or extension work of any kind will need planning permission to be considered. More information can be found on the official Planning Portal.
Should my orangery builder be a member of anything (trade body, government registration scheme, etc?) What sort of questions should I be asking them?
Since your orangery construction will need the skills of numerous tradespeople to complete it, it’s wise to make sure you know exactly what you should expect from them.
Tradesmen Prices will check the credibility of any contractors we work with to offer you quotes but it’s worth asking whoever arrives for proof of registration, accreditation, or qualifications for your own peace of mind.
Additionally, asking your contractors questions to settle your nerves or give you further insight into the project will help with ongoing and smooth communication between both parties, making the whole experience far less stressful.
- Builder
Check for: Public Liability Insurance
Questions: How long will the foundations take to dig and fill? Could you tell me the timescale for the bricklaying portion of the work? - Electrician
Check for: Their name on the government’s Registered Competent Person Scheme.
Questions: Can you provide me with a BS7671 test certificate once you’re done, so I can pass Building Regulations?
- Gas Engineer
Check for: Their name in the APHC or CIPHE registries, and if they’re working with gas, that they’re a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
Questions: Where is the best place to put a radiator or heater? Would I benefit from underfloor heating? - Glazier
Check for: Their name in the Glass and Glazing Federation
Questions: What thermal value glass are you using?
How long does it take to build an orangery?
As with most ground floor, single-storey extensions, construction of an orangery will often take three months or more to be finished.
This is because of the sheer volume of work that must be completed and the relevant periods of settling (for example, the time needed to allow foundations to sit before they can be built upon).
Why should I get orangery quotes from Tradesmen Prices?
Planning an orangery project takes time, effort, and – most notably – a properly planned and costed budget. Because orangeries are such big investments, it’s crucial you take the time to consider quotes from as many contractors as possible.
Using the Tradesmen Prices form above will offer you 3-4 quotes at competitive prices from local tradespeople who can undertake your orangery project.
They’re checked for history and credentials by us, so you can have peace of mind that we’re putting you in touch with honest and reliable contractors.
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