1. What Do Orangery Installers Actually Cost?

When homeowners search for “orangery installers cost,” they’re usually asking one of two questions: what does the labour alone cost, or what does the entire installed orangery cost? Both figures matter, but understanding how they relate to each other prevents nasty surprises when quotes arrive.

An orangery installation involves multiple specialist trades working across several months. Unlike a simple conservatory that might be assembled from a kit in a few days, orangeries require groundwork contractors, bricklayers, structural steelwork, specialist glazing installers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, and decorators. The cost of orchestrating all of these trades – or choosing an installer who manages the entire process – is where the real pricing differences emerge.

1.1 Labour-Only Costs

If you’re coordinating trades yourself (which we generally don’t recommend for orangeries), here are typical 2026 daily rates across the UK:

• General builder/labourer: £150-£250 per day
• Bricklayer: £200-£300 per day
• Roofer: £180-£280 per day
• Electrician: £180-£300 per day
• Plumber: £180-£250 per day
• Plasterer: £150-£220 per day
• Specialist glazing installer: £200-£350 per day
• Painter/decorator: £150-£220 per day

London and the South East sit at the higher end of these ranges, while the North and Midlands tend to be lower. However, labour-only rates can be misleading because they don’t include management, warranties, or the specialist knowledge needed to create a watertight, thermally efficient structure.

1.2 Full Installation Costs (Supply and Fit)

Most homeowners opt for a full supply-and-fit service where one company handles everything from design through to handover. This is where the “orangery installers cost” becomes meaningful as a single figure. In 2026, typical fully installed costs are:

2. Orangery Installers Cost by Size (2026 UK Prices)

Size is the single biggest factor determining orangery installation costs. Below are realistic 2026 price ranges that include design, planning, materials, all labour, building works, and VAT.

Notice how the cost per square metre generally decreases as size increases. This is because many fixed costs – design, planning, site setup, foundations – don’t scale proportionally with area. A 30m² orangery doesn’t cost twice as much as a 15m² orangery, making larger builds better value per square metre.

2.1 Cost by Material

Frame material significantly affects both the initial installation cost and the long-term value. Here’s how the three main options compare for a medium 20m² orangery:

While uPVC is the cheapest option upfront, its shorter lifespan means you may need a complete replacement within 25 years. An aluminium orangery offers the best balance of longevity, thermal performance, and maintenance-free living. Premium hardwood delivers beautiful aesthetics but demands ongoing care to maintain its condition.

3. Orangery Installers Cost: Full Breakdown

Understanding where your money goes helps you evaluate quotes and spot installers who may be cutting corners. Here is a detailed breakdown of orangery installation costs, using a medium-sized (20m²) aluminium orangery as the example.

3.1 Materials and Structure (~40%)

The largest portion of your orangery installers cost goes into materials. This includes the aluminium or timber frame system with thermal breaks, insulated cavity walls (achieving U-values as low as 0.18), solid roof insulation (typically 150mm), internal plasterboard lining, external brickwork to match your property, structural steelwork where required, and all fixings, flashings, and membranes. Premium frame systems with genuine thermal break technology cost more than basic profiles, but the difference in year-round comfort is substantial.

3.2 Glazing and Glass (~22%)

Glazing is where specification choices dramatically affect cost. Standard double glazing with Low-E coating and argon gas fill represents the baseline. Upgrading to triple glazing adds approximately 15-25% to the glazing element. Solar control glass (essential for south-facing orangeries), self-cleaning coatings, and premium lantern roof systems with slim aluminium bars all increase this portion. For a New Generation Glass specification, expect this element to represent a higher percentage of the total cost.

3.3 Installation Labour (~18%)

Professional installation labour covers the specialist team who erect the frame, install glazing units, fit the lantern roof, hang doors and windows, and make the structure weathertight. This is distinct from the groundwork and finishing trades. Specialist orangery installers command higher daily rates than general builders because the work demands precision engineering – a poorly fitted lantern roof will leak, and incorrectly installed thermal breaks will fail to insulate.

3.4 Foundations and Groundworks (~13%)

Every orangery needs proper foundations, typically reinforced concrete strip or trench fill foundations excavated to a depth determined by building control (usually 900mm-1200mm depending on soil type and proximity to trees). This element includes excavation, concrete, reinforcement, drainage connections, damp-proof course, and backfilling. Poor ground conditions, high water tables, or the need to relocate drains can push this element higher.

3.5 Additional Costs Not Always in Quotes

Some costs sit outside the main quote. Be aware of:

• Building regulations drawings and approval: £1,500-£2,500
• Structural engineer (if required): £500-£1,500
• Planning permission (if required): £200-£600
• Drainage diversion: £200-£5,000 (highly variable)
• Landscaping and making good: £1,000-£5,000
• Underfloor heating: £1,000-£4,500 depending on system and area
• Electrics (lighting, sockets, consumer unit upgrade): £1,500-£4,000
• Internal decoration (flooring, paint, furniture): Variable

4. Specialist Orangery Installer vs General Builder: Cost Comparison

One of the most important decisions affecting your orangery installers cost is choosing between a specialist orangery company and a general builder. The initial quote may tell one story; the long-term cost tells another.

A specialist installer typically costs 15-30% more upfront than a general builder’s estimate. However, the all-inclusive nature of specialist quotes, combined with superior build quality and comprehensive warranties, almost always represents better value over the structure’s lifetime. At Room Outside, we’ve seen numerous homeowners come to us to remediate orangeries originally built by general contractors – correcting leaks, replacing inadequate glazing, and addressing thermal failures. The cost of remediation often exceeds the original saving.

5. 10 Factors That Affect Orangery Installers Cost

Beyond size and materials, several factors can push your orangery installation costs up or down. Understanding these helps you make informed trade-offs during the design process.

6. Orangery Installation Timeline and Labour Costs

Understanding how long each phase takes helps you anticipate both the disruption and the cost implications. Longer timelines mean more labour days and higher overall orangery installers cost.

The total on-site construction time for a medium orangery is typically 6-10 weeks, with the full project timeline of 12-20 weeks including design, manufacturing, and planning phases. Premium installers overlap phases where possible – for instance, manufacturing frames while groundworks are being completed – to minimise overall project duration.

7. Orangery Installers Cost vs Extension vs Conservatory

Homeowners frequently compare orangery costs with traditional extensions and conservatories. Here’s how they stack up in 2026:

The orangery sits at the sweet spot between extensions and conservatories – delivering the architectural substance and year-round comfort of an extension, with the natural light and garden connection of a conservatory. For many homeowners across Southern England, this combination delivers the best return on investment.

8. How to Reduce Orangery Installation Costs (Without Cutting Quality)

There are legitimate ways to reduce your orangery installers cost without compromising the quality or longevity of the finished space. Here’s what works and what doesn’t:

8.1 Smart Savings

• Choose standard sizes: Bespoke dimensions cost more than standard profiles. Work with your installer to optimise dimensions around standard glazing unit sizes.
• Simplify the roof design: A single pyramid or ridge lantern costs significantly less than multi-pitch or curved alternatives whilst still delivering excellent light.
• Phase the interior: Have the orangery built as a weathertight shell with basic electrics, then complete interior decoration yourself or in stages.
• Time your project wisely: Autumn and winter installations may attract discounts when installers have more availability. You also avoid the spring/summer rush.
• Stay within Permitted Development: Designing to PD limits avoids planning application costs and the risk of delays or refusal.
• Get multiple quotes: At least three detailed, like-for-like quotes from specialist installers allow meaningful comparison.

8.2 False Economies to Avoid

• Cheapest frame material: Budget uPVC may save initially but delivers shorter lifespan, poorer aesthetics, and lower property value uplift.
• Self-managing trades: Coordinating separate groundworkers, bricklayers, glaziers, and roofers yourself risks delays, finger-pointing when issues arise, and no single warranty.
• Skipping the structural engineer: If your project needs one and you skip it, building control may halt the work – costing far more in delays.
• Choosing based on price alone: The cheapest quote is almost never the best value. Ask what’s excluded, check the warranty, and visit completed projects.

9. How to Choose the Right Orangery Installer

The installer you choose has more impact on the final result than almost any other decision. Here’s what to look for when comparing orangery installers and their costs.

When collecting quotes, ensure you’re comparing like-for-like. A quote of £45,000 that excludes foundations, building regulations, electrics, and heating is not cheaper than a £65,000 quote that includes everything. Ask every installer: “What would I need to pay on top of this figure to have a finished, usable room?”

10. Orangery Installers Cost by Region

Labour rates and overall project costs vary across the UK. Here’s how orangery installation costs typically differ by region for a medium-sized (20m²) aluminium orangery in 2026:

These regional differences primarily reflect labour rates rather than material costs, which are broadly consistent nationwide. However, choosing a local specialist who knows your area’s planning authorities and building conditions can save both time and money compared to bringing in installers from further afield.

Room Outside serves homeowners across Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, London, Berkshire, Dorset, and Essex – bringing over 50 years of local expertise to every project.

11. Is the Cost of Orangery Installation Worth It?

The cost of hiring orangery installers represents a significant investment – so it’s reasonable to ask whether it pays off. The answer, for most homeowners, is yes, on multiple fronts.

11.1 Property Value

A well-designed, professionally installed orangery typically adds 5-15% to property value. On a £500,000 property, that’s £25,000-£75,000 of added value. Estate agents consistently rank quality orangeries among the most desirable features for buyers, particularly in the South East where indoor-outdoor living is highly valued. The key word is “quality” – a poorly built orangery can actually reduce value, which is why choosing the right installer matters so much.

11.2 Lifetime Cost

Consider the 40-year cost picture:

• Premium aluminium orangery: £85,000 initial cost, minimal maintenance, 50+ year lifespan = ~£85,000 total over 40 years
• Budget conservatory: £15,000 initial cost, but replacement at 20 years (~£20,000) plus ongoing repairs = ~£40,000+ over 40 years for inferior space
• Standard brick extension: ~£60,000 initial cost, replacement windows at 20 years (~£5,000) = ~£65,000 over 40 years with less light

When you factor in energy savings from superior insulation, reduced maintenance costs, and the property value premium, a quality orangery installation often represents the most cost-effective way to add beautiful, usable living space to your home.

11.3 Beyond the Numbers

Some benefits resist quantification: the daily pleasure of a light-filled kitchen-diner, the connection with your garden through every season, the space for family gatherings, and the joy of a room that genuinely transforms how you live at home. These are the reasons most orangery owners say they wish they’d done it sooner.

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