Covering Hertford
Alongside Hertford, we also cover Hoddesdon, Welwyn Garden City (6 miles to the west) and Hatfield.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
What is an orangery?
An orangery is a single-storey extension with brick piers or walls, large windows and a glazed lantern set into a solid, insulated roof. It sits between a conservatory and a full extension: lighter than an extension, warmer and more solid than a conservatory.
- Foundations, brick piers and insulated base
- Insulated roof perimeter with plastered pelmet
- Glazed roof lantern and windows or doors
What will an orangery cost?
Guide prices for orangeries, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| Orangeries | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £3,000 to £3,500 per m² |
| Good specification | £3,500 to £4,100 per m² |
| High specification | £4,100 to £4,800 per m² |
What approvals does an orangery need in England?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
In England a single-storey rear extension can often go ahead under permitted development: up to 3 m deep on an attached house or 4 m on a detached one, no higher than 4 m, with eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary. Deeper extensions, up to 6 m or 8 m, need prior approval from the council first.
What can affect an orangery?
- Timber-look aluminium or timber frames suit period houses.
- Heating should be part of the house system, not a plug-in heater.
From first call to completion
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has a mostly solid, insulated roof with a glazed lantern and brick piers, so it behaves like a room of the house. A conservatory is mostly glass.
How much does an orangery cost?
Typically £3,000 to £4,800 per square metre including VAT, or around £50,000 to £70,000 for a 16 m² orangery.
Can you visit a house in Hertford to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Also covering
Learn more about orangeries, or see every project we cover in Hertford.

