Conservatory Design and Orangery Extensions

for Suffolk, Norfolk & the Surrounding Areas

Whether considering a conservatory or orangery for a new build or an existing home thorough planning and research is essential before you make final decisions. We will work alongside you offering professional advice and expertise to help you get it right from planning stage to final build. Guiding you through the process we will help you create your dream orangery or conservatory as well as add value to your property. We have included a range of FAQs below which we are often asked, by reading these and working with Waveney Windows Ltd we will help you avoid the benefit of hindsight and don’t miss out on all the full range of options open to you:

How much do conservatories cost?

A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach definitely doesn’t apply. All the following will play a part in determining costs:

• Type of conservatory or orangery (Edwardian, Double-Hipped Edwardian, Victorian, Gable Fronted, P-Shape, T-shape, Lean-to or Double-Hipped Lean-to, or you may need or prefer a tailored, custom design).
• Size of the conservatory or orangery
• Electrics required (i.e., for heating and lighting, etc.)
• Which kind of finish you require internally and externally (brick, render or plaster)
• Materials which may be needed (full options and their benefits are always provided during any consultation with Waveney Windows)
• Type of roof required (whether polycarbonate, polycarbonate with foil insert, glass or solid Guardian Warm Roof. All of these will come with their individual benefits, all of which can be discussed fully with the Waveney Windows team).
• Installation time period
• Glass option selected (Waveney Windows use the most energy efficient, all-year-round glass which is not necessarily offered by other companies as standard)
• External factors that could arise (such as underground pipes, cables, wells, previous foundations, garden features, drainage issues, i.e., manholes)

Waveney Windows will always offer complete transparency regarding the benefits of each option and a full breakdown of prices so ultimately you determine the final cost of your project.

Do I need to get planning permission for a conservatory or orangery?

Conservatories and orangeries are often regarded as permitted development, meaning you can build without applying for planning permission from your local council but certain requirements must be determined first. The size of the conservatory, your property boundaries, any restrictions your home presents (i.e., with listed properties) are all factors which have to be taken in to account.

Obtaining planning permission is often an area that customers are keen to avoid handling personally. The team at Waveney Windows regularly work with Local Authorities and will apply for planning permission on your behalf, or seek to obtain building regulations approval to build your conservatory. We’ll take care of all the paperwork and phone calls on your behalf and ensure any permissions or approvals are obtained as quickly and professionally as possible.

If you decide to look into conservatory planning permission on your own, we recommended you go to the Government’s planning portal page to get details on government requirements in place.

Not all orangeries and conservatories require planning permission, below are all aspects which would indicate you are unlikely to need this:

• The build is not larger than 50% of your available land space
• It excludes any balconies, verandas or raised platforms
• It’s highest part won’t exceed more than the highest part of your existing roof or 3.3m (whichever is greater)
• It does not obstruct a public road
• Single-storey rear extensions do not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m if an attached house, or by 4m if a detached house
• Proposed site is not on front or side elevation of property
• Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required

What’s the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?

An orangery was traditionally used to grow orange trees, the pillars providing shelter and glass to ensure warmth, now they are an alternative falling between a conservatory and a single-storey extension. Both conservatories and orangeries offer extra space and are a perfect way to gain extra natural light in to your home. Waveney Windows will provide you with a full list of options regarding styles, bricks, windows (colour, etc), glass and roof type, not to mention all the intricate details which become all important at the final stages of the build such as heating as well as ventilation, lighting etc.

We are often asked ‘what are the main differences between a conservatory and an orangery?’ and we have included the key defining features of each below:

• A conservatory has a roof that is all glass, where an orangery has a solid roof perimeter usually fitted with lights and a glazed area in the centre, called a lantern.
• Both conservatories and orangeries have brickwork to elevate the double glazed windows, an orangery will have glass walls covering less than 50% of the total wall, whereas a conservatory will have a minimum of 50% glass walls covering the area.

What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission is the concept of the building and applies if the building is to be more than 4 metres if a detached house, or 3 metres if an attached house. Building Regulations are to ensure the building is built to current British standards. Sometimes both will apply, the Waveney Windows team will be happy to explain this in more detail.

Are conservatories covered by buildings insurance?

When a new conservatory is finished it becomes part of the existing structure of your home and you should contact your property insurance provider to make sure they are aware of the addition and have added this to be covered under your policy. It may incur an increase in premium at renewal, or pro-rata, but failure to update your insurance company could affect the validity of the policy in the effect of a claim.

Can I replace my conservatory roof?

Yes and Waveney Windows have replaced countless conservatory and orangery roofs over recent years. Originally conservatories were built with a polycarbonate roof and they had to have 75% made from glazed material. They let heat escape during winter and caused conservatories to become often unbearably hot during summer compared to newer roofing products such as the Guardian Warm Roof and Ultraframe 380. Their incredible insulation technology offer incredible heat retention during cooler months as well as keep the conservatories cooler during summer. Updating your conservatory or orangery by replacing the roof with a new insulated roof has become hugely popular due to increasing the length of time you can use these across the year as well as lower your heating bills and therefore having the added advantage of helping the environment also.

Waveney Windows will offer a full range of options for a new roof design, from a traditional glass look, fully tiled, flat roofs or a mixture of both with roof lanterns.

Can conservatories have a solid roof?

In 2010 planning rules changed regarding the type of roof a conservatory had to have, before this a conservatory needed a roof to be 75% translucent in order to build without planning permission. The law changed to allow a complete solid roof if preferred and this often provides a more modern look to a property as well as having massive benefits for heat saving. Waveney Windows will advise on tiled roofs, warm roofs, roof lantern or a flat roof.

How can I keep my conservatory warm in winter?

The best way is to look at whether your roof offers the latest build technology in insulation as mentioned in the previous question. In addition you can help your conservatory stay warm in the winter months by adding blinds or drapes to help keep the heat in and reduce draughts. Additional heating methods such as adding a radiator or electric heater will all help, or you may like to consider underfloor heating for larger conservatories or orangeries.

How can I prevent my conservatory from getting too hot in summer?

An insulated roof will offer the most effective way of keeping your conservatory cool throughout summer, new products such as the Guardian Warm Roof and Ultraframe 380 will all help achieve this. In addition we have many customers who have air conditioning units installed which do not need to be expensive but can make your conservatory or orangery a joy to sit in whilst the temperature rises outside! There are many mobile air conditioning units available now which gives you the added benefit of being able to hide it away over winter, or transfer it to use in other rooms if required. 

Are conservatories easy to break in to?

Any access in to a property needs to be made as secure as possible. Waveney Windows use the latest locking technology to ensure the windows and doors in your conservatory or orangery are as secure as possible. Local building regulations require a secure wall exists between a conservatory and the rest of the property which adds an extra layer of security to your property.

Does a conservatory add value to my property?

The short answer is: yes.  A well-built conservatory can make your home more enticing to buyers and add value to your property. It's consistently seen as one of the top investments you can make in your home. Studies have shown that a conservatory can increase the value of your home by about 5 to 7 percent. If adding value to your home is one of your main objectives, you may want to consult with real estate agents in your area to see how much value a conservatory might add and what styles of conservatory seem most popular and most valuable for the area.

However, you must keep in mind that the conservatory must be well-built to merit that kind of value increase. A poorly constructed conservatory built with shoddy materials will not pass muster. This is why getting reputable, honest advice from professionals like the ones at Waveney Windows from the outset is critical.

In an industry which, despite increased governing regulations, is still open to abuse and poor standards, Waveney Windows strives to offer genuine and honest service from the start of your conservatory project to its completion. We offer a level of aftersales care which sets us apart from any competition. Almost all our work comes from repeat customers or from recommendations from past customers. This is a testament to the quality of our workmanship and our commitment to customer service.

We understand that home improvement projects - especially projects as big as adding a conservatory to your home - are a big investment. They cost homeowners money, time, and stress. We strive to do everything right the first time in a way that fits your budget without cutting corners. Call us now and we'll show you why we're the best.