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 Northampton?
In Northampton, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,000–£52,000. That range is adjusted for the East Midlands, where domestic building work typically costs around 5% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £25,500–£36,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,000–£52,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £50,500–£71,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,300–£3,250 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Lantern size
- Opening into the house
- Frame material and colour
- Amount and type of glazing
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 Northampton?
The approval route for Northampton 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Flooring and decoration options
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
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 Northampton
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
We work across Northampton and neighbouring areas such as Wellingborough, Daventry and Rushden. Postcodes we cover in Northampton include NN1.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Northampton
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
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 much does an orangery cost in Northampton?
In Northampton, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,000–£52,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build orangeries in Northampton?
Yes. We build orangeries across Northampton, including postcodes NN1. Every project starts with a free home visit.