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 Berkhamsted?
In Berkhamsted, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £41,000–£57,500. Building costs in the East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Berkhamsted are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £28,000–£39,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £41,000–£57,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £56,000–£79,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,550–£3,600 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Opening into the house
- Amount and type of glazing
- Frame material and colour
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Berkhamsted?
Before anything is built in Berkhamsted, 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Building control sign-off where required
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Flooring and decoration options
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 12 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Berkhamsted
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
If your home is in Berkhamsted or close by in Chesham, Hemel Hempstead and Amersham, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Berkhamsted
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
How much does an orangery cost in Berkhamsted?
In Berkhamsted, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £41,000–£57,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves an orangery in Berkhamsted?
Planning matters in Berkhamsted go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
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.