Orangeries. Even the word sounds glamorous and sophisticated. There’s something rather special to be said about having an orangery installed; it’s a talking point and it’ll certainly add value to your property.
These beautiful features are a true hybrid of an extension and a conservatory, creating a warm, sunny and light room that can be used throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. While being far more expensive than your average lean-to, orangeries are often worth the cost and might not be as unaffordable as you first imagined.
So, how much are orangeries?
The average orangery costs upwards of £20,000. However, before you swoon at the price, they can be as cheap as £10,000. Even though that may still be double the average conservatory, it’s worth noting your typical orangery provides more functionality and home value than a lean-to or Victorian conservatory extension.
Because orangeries are built out of brick and include a more substantial roof, they’re far more energy efficient. It means that in the midst of winter, when any ordinary conservatory might be a no-go zone, an orangery will continue to offer a great living space with views across the garden.
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Budget Orangeries – Cost Cutting Concerns
Orangery costs vary extensively, but if you’re on a tight budget you may decide to go for the cheapest possible option. In the short-term this can be a great idea, and a small, timber framed orangery might cost you as little as £7,995. However, as with so many things in life, cheaper isn’t always better.
To install such a budget extension, tradesmen will have to utilise cheaper materials. Timber frames can warp and rot over time, leading to potentially large repair costs. Likewise, budget framing or joinery might seem like a bargain but you’ll have to use materials like PVC or aluminium. Not only do these require more maintenance but it’s likely they’ll need replacing far sooner than hardwood.
Other concerns with budget options include poorly fitting components, sticking windows, warped doors and low quality, hand-brushed finishes. Overall, these can actually have a negative effect on your home’s value because they don’t fit with the aesthetic.
This isn’t a problem if you have no intention of moving, of course. But, if you want to sell your home in the future, it’s worth paying for a better finish.
Prepare to Pay for the Best
Though the largest, most decadent orangeries can easily cost over £100,000, on average, costs will vary between £20,000 and £50,000. The wide breadth in expense is down to the various factors involved, largely the size of the extension. For example, a 4m x 4m orangery with basic finishes should cost around £19,000.
Foundations and building expenses attribute up to half of the overall cost, so whilst some savings can be made on finishing touches, it’s important not to scrimp on the basic structure.
There is also a significant difference in roofing costs when comparing orangeries and conservatories. Whilst the latter normally only require a pitched roof that’s often made of cheap materials, an orangery normally requires a roof lantern.
This is more costly due the engineering and materials required. In addition, roof vents should be numerous to ensure orangeries remain usable in hot days, and though floor insulation costs extra, there’ll be a noticeable change in temperature during winter without it.
Think of an Orangery as an Extension
If you’re considering having an orangery built, then you should think of it as an extension rather than a garden roof tacked on the back of your home. The average cost of a single story extension that’s 20m² is between £30,000 and £50,000. Compared to this, an orangery of the same size at a cost of £20,000 is quite a bargain!
When it comes to orangery prices it’s best to use as big a budget as possible. For example, instead of rushing in and buying the cheapest one you can find, it might be worth delaying the project for a couple of years so there’s more money available. You can also utilise sites like Quotatis to find professionals who you can negotiate the price with.
Overall, it’s worth paying for the best because, when they’re done right, orangeries are a beautiful extension to your home that will improve not only your life, but your home’s value too.