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 Renfrewshire and Inverclyde?
In Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,500–£53,000. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £26,000–£36,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,500–£53,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £51,500–£72,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,300 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Opening into the house
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde?
Approvals for an orangery in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde follow the rules for Scotland. In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Flooring and decoration options
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- French, sliding or bifold doors
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Towns we cover in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde include Paisley, Greenock, Newton Mearns, Renfrew, Barrhead and Johnstone.
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 fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
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 Renfrewshire and Inverclyde?
Planning matters in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde go to the council covering your address, and the work needs a building warrant. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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 much does an orangery cost in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde?
In Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,500–£53,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde?
In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
