Conservatories, House Extensions & Orangeries – What’s the Difference?

Is your home feeling a little on the small side lately? Maybe you have recently started working from home, are planning on expanding your family or could do with the extra space. Whatever your reasons for wanting to increase your home, there are many options available today that don’t involve selling up and moving to a bigger property. Popular space boosting home renovations include conservatories, orangeries and house extensions. These three spaces have many differences and the Starglaze experts are here to teach you how to identify which is which.

Garden View Conservatories

Conservatories have been used to extend homes for several centuries and are the perfect space to relax and enjoy views of the garden. Modern conservatories are available in several styles, including Victorian, Edwardian and Lean-to designs. Conservatories are fitted to the rear of a property, have a glass structure and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Pros:

• Versatile space
• Brightens up your home
• Can increase property value
• Cost effective way to expand your home
• Modern designs can be enjoyed all year round
• Quick installation time

Cons:

• Older profiles can have issues with heat regulation, especially in the summer and winter.
• Fully glass structures offer minimal privacy

Flawless Floorplan House Extensions

House extensions are favoured by homeowners looking to increase the size of their home in a less noticeable way. For instance, as extensions have a brickwork structure, they blend well with a property’s current appearance. House extensions are tailor made and built to match the exact specifications of each homeowner.

Pros:

• Made to blend with property’s existing architecture
• Adds value to your home
• Can increase living space without needing to move
• Tailor made for each property
• Energy efficient and insulated

Cons:

• May require planning permission
• The project can take longer complete

Modern Orangeries

Orangeries were once exclusively found in the mansions and grounds of the upper classes, but this is no longer the case. Traditionally used to grow oranges and fruit trees, orangeries have a structure made from bricks and glass panels. Modern orangeries are available in various styles and sizes, can be customised to suit properties of all ages and used for a variety of purposes.

Pros:

• An aesthetically pleasing blend of a conservatory and house extension
• Can be made bespoke to suit all properties
• Available in various sizes for different purposes
• Compatible with a variety of different roofing systems

Cons:

• Reduced amount of natural light when compared to glazed conservatories
• Can be more costly than a conservatory

The Differences Between Orangeries, Conservatories & House Extensions

As you can see, there are pros and cons to all the different home expansion methods. Whichever way you choose to increase your living space, it is vital that you choose a reputable installer of top quality products. When extending your home, look for products that offer excellent thermal performance, weatherproofing and security. The last thing you want is a conservatory that is too hot to enjoy in the summer, or an orangery that looks completely out of place on the side of your home.

It is clear to see that all three renovations have many similarities, but they also have several key differences. If you are still finding it difficult to distinguish between a conservatory, orangery and house extension, here are the main facts to remember:

• Conservatories have a glass structure, where all walls are made from large glazing panels.
• Orangeries feature glazing and bricks in their structure and usually blend better with a properties existing appearance than traditional conservatories.
• House extensions are the most expensive way to expand your home, with conservatories being more budget-friendly and orangeries priced in the middle of the two.
• House extensions are predominantly made from brick and can feature different window and door styles. An extension will be designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture and have a less ‘bolted-on’ appearance.
• Conservatories and orangeries can take a few weeks to install, whereas house extensions may not be finished for several months.
• Due to their size and structure, house extensions can be used for more varied purposes than the other two options.
• Conservatories are installed at the back of a property, orangeries can be independent of the rest of the home and extensions can be installed in various locations around the home.
• Large house extensions will likely need planning permission from the council. In most circumstances, planning permission is not needed for an orangery or conservatory.

Expand Your Home With Starglaze!

Starglaze is a family-run, home improvement business based in Lincoln. If you are considering expanding your home, don’t hesitate to contact our team to discuss your project. At Starglaze, we offer classic and aluminium conservatories, orangeries and bespoke house extensions. All of our structures are manufactured with high spec materials and energy efficient glazing.

To speak to the knowledgeable Starglaze team, call us on  01522 512020  or fill in our online contact form. If you have the perfect home improvement already in mind, use our online quoting engine to receive a bespoke quote today.