Covering Reading
Our coverage around Reading (RG1, RG6, RG30) also includes Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and Crowthorne.
Homes in the South East
Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.
What does an orangery involve?
We build orangeries on proper foundations with insulated walls and roof perimeter, so they can be used all year as a dining room, sitting room or kitchen extension. The lantern size and the frame finish are chosen to suit the age and style of the house.
- Planning or permitted development check
- Glazed roof lantern and windows or doors
- Heating, electrics and decoration-ready finish
What is the guide price for an orangery in Reading?
Use these ranges to budget for orangeries; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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?
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
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 should Reading homeowners check first?
- An orangery open to the house needs to meet energy rules, which limits the proportion of glazing.
- Solar-control glass in the lantern stops summer overheating.
What are the steps?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Orangeries: common questions
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 long does it take to build?
About 8 to 14 weeks on site.
Can you visit a house in Reading 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.
Other towns nearby
- Orangeries in Henley-on-Thames
- Orangeries in Wokingham
- Orangeries in Crowthorne
- Orangeries in Bracknell
Learn more about orangeries, or see every project we cover in Reading.

