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 Barnet?
In Barnet, an orangery typically costs £3,100–£4,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £49,500–£70,500. The guide for Barnet reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £34,000–£48,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £49,500–£70,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £68,000–£97,000 |
| Rate per m² | £3,100–£4,400 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Opening into the house
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Barnet?
Before anything is built in Barnet, we confirm which approvals apply in England. In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Flooring and decoration options
- Building control sign-off where required
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Barnet
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Projects in Barnet (EN5) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Barnet
Does an orangery need building regulations approval?
If it is open to the house or does not meet the conservatory exemption, yes. Most orangeries are treated as extensions and need building control approval, which we arrange.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
How long does an orangery take in Barnet?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does an orangery cost in Barnet?
In Barnet, an orangery typically costs £3,100–£4,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £49,500–£70,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Does an orangery need planning permission?
The same rules as a single-storey extension apply. Many are permitted development, depending on depth, height and your house’s location.
