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 Houghton-Le-Spring?
In Houghton-Le-Spring, an orangery typically costs £2,150–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £34,500–£49,000. Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for Houghton-Le-Spring are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £23,500–£33,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £34,500–£49,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £47,500–£67,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,150–£3,050 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Frame material and colour
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
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 Houghton-Le-Spring?
Here is how the rules work for an orangery 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Design to suit the style of the house
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Houghton-Le-Spring
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
We work across Houghton-Le-Spring and neighbouring areas such as Chester-le-Street, Washington and Seaham. Postcodes we cover in Houghton-Le-Spring include DH4.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Houghton-Le-Spring
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.
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.
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 Houghton-Le-Spring?
In Houghton-Le-Spring, an orangery typically costs £2,150–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £34,500–£49,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does an orangery take in Houghton-Le-Spring?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.