Rear Extension, Conservatory or an Orangery?

The first thing you need to think about is what are you going to use your gorgeous new room for?  Do you want to get excited about horticulture or do you need a bigger kitchen?  Of course – you can combine the two but what sort of structure do you need? What is lacking in your home that you want to accommodate in your new extension? Let’s look at your options:

‍

Rear single storey extension

‍

A rear single storey extension can provide numerous solutions to needing more space. You could extend your kitchen or dining area as kitchens are commonly situated at the rear ,this is a great solution for a growing family and perfect for those lovely Sunday lunches that include all the extended family. Your extension will open out onto the garden or patio and give you a feeling of light and space. Imagine the parties you’ll have that can spill out into the garden during those warm summer evenings and we do love to BBQ! Alternatively you may need your extension to become a new home office or even a gym. These are fantastic additions to any home and will definitely increase it’s value when you come to re-sell. Many people are now working from home and have managed to adapt easily – having a designated office space could really push your business to the next level.  However, maybe you need to create a new bedroom downstairs or living area for guests or a relative. Extensions are usually brick built and can include an en suite bathroom or even a second front door to provide privacy – maybe you could even rent the space out to create an income.  Then again – if your budget will allow why not build an indoor swimming pool –  just a thought!  All you need is an idea to get started…..

‍

‍

Lets talk about conservatories

‍

A conservatory sounds a bit old fashioned these days – it makes us think of wicker chairs and begonias.  But conservatory design has really come a long way since 1972! The current trend for a modern conservatory sees a blend of open spaces, minimalist frames and wrap around, unhindered views into the garden.  A modern conservatory is basically an open plan room with slimline frames and a lot of glass. And best of all, this style of modern conservatory is easily adaptable to meet your needs and to suit your tastes and budgets. You can certainly still use your conservatory as an extended kitchen or dining area but it may not be suitable as an extra bedroom!  The room will be light and warm during the summer months (and you can still grow your begonias!).  During the colder winter months you can still get a sense of being outside but at the same time being protected from the elements.  Having a candlelit supper during a thunderstorm would be spectacular! One of the main differences in terms of planning and building costs is that conservatories are charged by the type and style you choose and rear extensions are charged per square metre.

‍

What on earth is an Orangery?

‍

Lastly – let’s look at Orangeries – they sound rather grand don’t they?  The orangery originated from the renaissance gardens of Italy when glass-making technology enabled sufficient expanses of glass to be produced. The orangery then became popular during the 17th – 19th centuries, first emerging in France, Germany and the Netherlands. British aristocrats started to add them to buildings in the UK as a status symbol for very rich families – they reached their peak of popularity in the UK during the 18th century where they would be found on the grounds of the most fashionable residences. As the name suggests they were predominantly used to grow oranges and other soft fruits and provide protection during the winter. So, that’s enough history! To be honest there isn’t a huge amount of difference between a conservatory and an orangery except that a conservatory has a roof that is all glass and an orangery has a solid roof with a glazed section in the middle. An orangery can still have floor to ceiling glass bi-fold doors or half brick and half glass – the design and styling will all depend on what you’d like to use the extra room for – and of course what type of home you already have.  If your home has a lot of period features then maybe an orangery would suit better but if you live in a very modern contemporary property then maybe opt for a conservatory.  Whatever you choose when adding any type of extension to your home it really will be one of the best decisions  you’ll ever make.

‍

Do I need planning permission?

‍

We must get asked this question one hundred times a day – it can all be a bit confusing so here are a few basic rules when it comes to single storey extensions. A single storey extension, conservatory or orangery can be built under permitted development (building without the need for planning permission) The basic rules are you can extend up to six metres if your house is semi detached and 8 metres if your home is detached. There are, of course, restrictions for example If your home is in a conservation area or listed then you will struggle to build without planning permission – but it can be done!  We always advise checking with your local council to determine if your building will be granted.

So, there you go, a little insight into what you can build on the back of your home!

Any extension that provides extra living space to your home,, if done professionally and sympathetically, will not only add so much to your living environment but also to the value of your home.  Carefully designed extensions can add up to 23% to the overall value.  But it’s not always about profit – make your extension about you and your family and how you want to live and feel at home.  We are spending so much more time together these days and our home really has become our castle.

‍

‍