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 Cardiff?
In Cardiff, an orangery typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £35,000–£50,500. The guide for Cardiff reflects typical costs in Wales, roughly 8% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £24,000–£34,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £35,000–£50,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £48,500–£69,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,150 |
What moves the price most:
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
- 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 Cardiff?
Approvals for an orangery in Cardiff follow the rules for Wales. In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Flooring and decoration options
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
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 Cardiff
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
If your home is in Cardiff or close by in Penarth, Caerphilly and Barry, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 Cardiff
How much does an orangery cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, an orangery typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £35,000–£50,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Cardiff?
In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
Who approves an orangery in Cardiff?
Planning matters in Cardiff go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.