Whether it’s a beautifully sunny or rain-soaked day there are few places more inviting than the light-filled haven of a conservatory or orangery. Chosen by many as a seriously cost-efficient way to add space and value, an expertly installed conservatory also adds an extra element of style to a home. 

The idea of a draughty conservatory sapping the heat from ours homes is now outdated, thanks to advances in construction and glazing techniques. These days, building a conservatory onto your home is a way of creating a living space which bridges the comfort of indoor living and the joy of the great outdoors. 

With the Wirral weather to think about, installing a conservatory might be just what’s needed to make the most of our outdoor spaces! 

Do I have to get planning permission before building a conservatory?

It often comes as something of a surprise, but not everyone needs to apply for planning permission in order to build a conservatory or orangery. In general, you won’t need permission as long as your conservatory doesn’t exceed 50% of the area around the original house. 

Your new living space should also be less than 4 metres tall, and not extend more than eight metres (if a detached property, or six metres for a semi-detached). The key thing to remember is that these rules are only a loose guide. We always recommend that clients carefully check the local rules before any building work starts. 

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

A conservatory typically has a glass roof and sides. An orangery is more like a room with large windows in the walls and ceiling. The range of conservatory styles and layouts is vast, whilst an orangery, due to the part-brick style, can be designed for a more bespoke finish.

It’s also worth noting that an orangery can take slightly longer to create and, due to the extra resources needed during construction, they can be slightly more expensive. Choosing between an orangery and conservatory depends on what you need from the space, and either are a beautiful addition to a home. 

With all that glass, are conservatories noisy and cold?

These days conservatories and orangeries are manufactured to be as efficient as possible. Insulation and highly efficient glazing do a lot to help regulate the noise, as much as the temperature. It means that the eventual appearance of some sunshine won’t turn your room into an oven, nor will the neighbour’s radio become too distracting. 

 Fortunately, this works as well internally as it does externally. You won’t have to worry about being the disruptive neighbour, or about your heating bills seeping straight out through the windows! 

Those sealed units also use warm edge technology which helps to minimise condensation by up to 70% – less moisture means the onset of unsightly and unhealthy mold is all but eliminated. A new conservatory might just be the extra living area you’ve been craving for your home.

We supply and install a huge range of conservatories and bespoke orangeries throughout the Wirral, Liverpool and Cheshire areas. Chat to us today to get started, and find out how we can help: 0151 638 0909