If you’re looking to add some extra living space to your home then both an orangery or an extension are great choices but deciding between the two can be difficult – especially when they are often confused with one another.
Although similar, there are some differences between the two.
An orangery is halfway between a conservatory and a traditional solid extension. Constructed with brick pillars, orangeries often feature a raised roof in order to flood the space with natural light.
Extensions are made up of insulated walls and typically a flat roof. In some cases planning permission may be needed for an extension to be constructed but this isn’t always the case.
Now we understand more about the differences between the two, we can ask ourselves which is best for your home?
In this article, we compare and take a look at some of the benefits of both orangeries and extensions to help you make the tough decision between them.
Benefits of an orangery:
Natural light
One of the biggest draws of an orangery is the way in which it combines the functionality of an extension whilst incorporating the light and airy feel of a conservatory. So you can enjoy a brighter living space without compromising on practicality.
Indoor/Outdoor living
Creating an indoor space that incorporates the outdoors has become a must with homeowners in recent times. With an orangery, you can seamlessly blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
A cost-effective way to add space
If you’re struggling for space in your home then it is a relatively cost-effective way to create additional indoor space compared to moving home or building an extension.
Benefits of an extension:
Additional practical space
The real advantage of an extension is that it creates practical space that can be used for numerous functions such as a bigger kitchen or dining room. Whatever your reasons for building an extension, the possibilities are endless.
Added privacy
By incorporating less glass than a conservatory or orangery, an extension provides more privacy from surrounding homes. That means you can enjoy your extension away from prying eyes.
Adds value to your home
Whether you plan to put your home on the market or not, it is always nice to get value for your money and with an extension, you get just that. This is because a well-constructed extension will make a stunning addition to your home which will make your home appealing to potential buyers. So when it comes to the time when you choose to move on, an extension can actually result in your property selling at a higher price.
Which is best?
When it comes to deciding which is best there are a few things that you should first consider. These include:
Cost
The first thing to consider is the cost of building an orangery and an extension – this is especially important if you are on a tighter budget but are still looking to add additional space.
It is often the case that building an orangery is considerably cheaper than building a single-story extension, with the average build prices ranging between 25 to 50 per cent cheaper per sqm.
This makes an orangery one of the most affordable ways to add extra living space in comparison to extensions and conservatories.
Therefore, if you want to add more space for less, an orangery is the one to go for.
Appearance
If you are planning to invest money into building an extension or an orangery then you want to make sure that it looks its best.
Available in a wide range of styles – perfect for traditional or contemporary properties, orangeries are usually designed bespoke to suit your existing home. This gives you the option to select the size, shape and roof style which will best not only complement your home’s interior appearance but its exterior also.
Although a traditional extension can also be tied in seamlessly to match the appearance of your home with the right brick match, a flat roof or tiled roof doesn’t provide the same wow factor that a raised roof provides.
Whether you choose an extension or an orangery, it all comes down to your personal taste and preference. If you’re looking for a more solid structure that provides usable space for all sorts of purposes then an extension is a perfect choice. Whereas, if you’re on a smaller budget but don’t want to compromise on appearance or space then an orangery is a much cheaper option that is still aesthetically pleasing.
Whichever you choose, it is important to choose a trusted installer to carry out the work for the best results.
At Progress Windows, we take great pride in our work which is why we believe in going above and beyond in order to achieve the best possible results for our clients. For the last 10 years, we have to go from strength to strength – making a name for ourselves as a home improvement specialist across Leicestershire.
For more information about either orangeries or extensions and which is the best choice for your individual needs, get in touch with us and a member of our team will be happy to advise you.