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 Maidstone?
In Maidstone, an orangery typically costs £2,700–£3,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £43,000–£61,000. That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £29,500–£42,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £43,000–£61,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £59,500–£83,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,700–£3,800 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Opening into the house
- Lantern size
- Amount and type of glazing
- Frame material and colour
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Maidstone?
The approval route for Maidstone is set by planning law 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served 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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Flooring and decoration options
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Maidstone
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
From ME14 outwards, we take on projects throughout Maidstone and the surrounding parts of Kent.
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
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Maidstone
Do you build orangeries in Maidstone?
Yes. We build orangeries across Maidstone, including postcodes ME14 and ME99. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does an orangery cost in Maidstone?
In Maidstone, an orangery typically costs £2,700–£3,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £43,000–£61,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.