Extending your home with a conservatory or orangery is never simply about gaining extra space. Done properly, it should feel as though it has always belonged — enhancing light, comfort and flow while respecting the character of the building itself. At David H Wright Joinery, we have been designing and crafting bespoke timber conservatories and orangeries in Yorkshire since 1989. Every project begins with the same principle: the extension should serve the home, not compete with it.
If you’re considering extending, you may be wondering whether a conservatory, orangery or traditional extension is the right approach. Below, we explore the differences, costs and planning considerations to help you make an informed decision.
The main difference between any traditional extension or sunroom lies not only in construction but also in how each option integrates with your home.
We believe the decision is rarely about trends or labels. It’s about proportion, architectural balance and how the new space will feel to live in for years to come.
What's The Difference Between An Orangery & A Conservatory?Yes. For planning purposes, an orangery is considered a single-storey extension.
Many homeowners choose an orangery because it offers a more architectural solution than a fully glazed conservatory. The combination of insulated walls and generous glazing creates a space that feels substantial, comfortable and naturally connected to the garden.
Sometimes — and honest advice matters here. If the structure falls within permitted development rights, you may not need planning permission for your orangery. However, you will need planning permission if:
Because DHW regularly works with period and heritage homes, we guide clients through these considerations from the outset, ensuring designs respect both regulations and the character of the property.
Planning Permission GuideIn most cases, yes. Due to their solid construction and integration with the main house — often involving removal of external walls or doors — orangeries must meet Building Regulations covering:
Careful design and skilled joinery play a significant role in achieving these standards comfortably and efficiently.
Building Regulations GuideA conservatory is considered a type of property extension, offering a variety of styles and glazing options with its glass walls and roofs. However, if you plan to construct it on new land, it is subject to the same set of planning regulations as any other home extension.
You can refer to the official permitted development limits for more information, but usually, you can add a conservatory without planning permission. See more about planning permission for conservatories in our other blog.
Conservatories are usually exempt from Building Regulations. As long as a conservatory is under 30 sqm, has external doors to separate it from the main house, has its own independent heating system, and is significantly glazed, it is exempt.
Planning and Regulations For ConservatoriesGenerally speaking, conservatories and orangeries can offer a more cost-effective route to additional living space than a full masonry extension. Orangeries and conservatories are low-risk projects without any hidden extra costs along the way. As you can see in our previous blog post, “How to build an orangery,” most orangeries and conservatories follow a straightforward step-by-step build process. Traditional extensions often involve extensive groundwork, structural alterations and longer construction programmes. Conservatories and orangeries typically require less invasive building work while still delivering meaningful additional space.
However, cost is usually not the sole deciding factor.
The most successful projects consider:
Orangeries are unquestionably a more cost-effective choice than conventional extensions. Beyond the savings you make on Building Regulations design work and local building control and planning fees, you can save from 25% per square metre by taking advantage of lower labour and supply costs due to the composition and structural design of a standard conservatory.
Whether you choose a conservatory, an orangery or a traditional extension, the most important question isn’t what can be added, but what suits the home best. We often advise clients against certain options when another approach would work better. That’s part of doing things properly.
Our role is to help homeowners weigh these factors honestly. Because each DHW project is individually designed and crafted, we discuss costs transparently from the beginning — ensuring there are no surprises along the way.
From first conversation through design, manufacture and installation, our team guides you carefully, offering straightforward advice and solutions tailored to your home and priorities.
You’re always welcome to visit our workshop, meet the joiners and see how your project will be made — because understanding the craft behind the work brings real confidence to the process.
A well-designed conservatory or orangery can transform how a home feels to live in — bringing light, warmth and connection to the garden while adding lasting value.
If you’re considering an extension, we’d be delighted to talk things through properly. There’s no pressure, just honest advice, careful design and Yorkshire craftsmanship done the right way.
Call 01977 681832 to speak with our team, enquire online or explore our guide to extending listed buildings for further inspiration.
Brief Us Online For AdviceCatch up on more of the latest news from DHW Joinery.
