What is an orangery?
An orangery is an extension with brick or block piers, large areas of glazing and a solid perimeter roof around a central roof lantern. It sits between a conservatory and a traditional extension: brighter than an extension, warmer and more private than a conservatory.
How much does an orangery cost in Argyll and Bute?
In Argyll and Bute, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,500–£53,000. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Argyll and Bute are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £26,000–£36,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,500–£53,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £51,500–£72,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,300 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Opening into the house
- Frame material and colour
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Argyll and Bute?
Before anything is built in Argyll and Bute, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Flooring and decoration options
- Design to suit the style of the house
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Argyll and Bute
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Towns we cover in Argyll and Bute include Helensburgh, Dunoon and Oban.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Argyll and Bute
Do you build orangeries in Argyll and Bute?
Yes. We build orangeries across Argyll and Bute, including postcodes FK17, G82, G83, G84 and PA20. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does an orangery cost in Argyll and Bute?
In Argyll and Bute, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,500–£53,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Argyll and Bute?
In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has a solid roof around a central lantern and more brickwork, while a conservatory is mostly glazed. Orangeries are usually warmer in winter and cooler in summer.