How to add Value to Your Home

Spring is coming and as a homeowner, you want to be able to enjoy the change in season. After months of overcast skies and freezing temperatures, you want to be able to soak up some early morning sun and watch the plants blossom as your garden comes to life. If you are yet to consider investing in a conservatory or an orangery, here’s why you should and how it can add value to your home.

What Is An Orangery And How Can It Brighten Up Your Home

While most are familiar with the classic conservatory, you might not have heard of an orangery up until now so what’s the difference? There are historical comparisons with the conservatory in that both were used for growing fruit but that has changed. An orangery is in actual fact an extension of your home, designed to enhance the look and feel of different rooms by letting light into them with beautiful and ornate timber and glass design. They vary in size from small windows to entire roofs and glass doors. To get an idea, take a look at these examples on our Orangery page.

There is no hard and fast rule to how an orangery is designed, it is up to you how and where you want them to be installed on your property and they are not limited to homes either, they look fantastic in commercial buildings, offices and retail centres too.

What Are Orangeries Made From And Which Material Is The Best Fit For Your Home

The different parts to an Orangery are made from uPVC for the doors, Timber alternative or Timber, Aluminium can also be used. It is best to pick the highest quality material for your doors known as ‘A Rated’, going for material with an ‘A Rating’ will ensure the best possible insulation for your home. Summertime is nice but you don’t want to lose heat in the winter due to poor quality doors and windows.

Roofs can be designed in different ways that utilise different materials, once again, its up to you! Popular methods include:

Traditional Orangeries – Classic Style And Sophistication For Your Property

This style incorporates solid build columns (think of vintage houses and hotels with pillars surrounding the front of the building with an extended entrance to the main door). The roof will have a partial solid ceiling based on a mixture of wood and glass which can come in any number of attractive and eye catching designs. The roof will also have a roof light of your choosing, once again, the options are endless. You could search online for inspiration or seek a consultation to decide upon the perfect design.

Bespoke Orangeries – Find The Perfect Fit Between Classic And Contemporary Design

A bespoke orangery suits a particular style of home. Perhaps you own a traditional home in which case a design in line with the period and style of your home would be appropriate. On the other hand, you may be the proud owner of an ultra modern property looking to increase it’s appeal and value. Bespoke options give you the freedom to mix and match classic and modern elements to create something altogether unique that will make your home the talk of the town.

The Modern Conservatory – Not Just a Greenhouse

You might be mistaken in thinking that a conservatory is ‘that place at the back of the house where Grandad grows fruit and vegetables’, yes, that is a very practical use for a conservatory but it can be much more than that. The modern conservatory is a ‘garden room’, you can relax in there, entertain guests and work in a warm and healthy environment, free from the trappings of a typical four wall brick room that blocks out the spring/summer sunshine.

The Main Difference Between An Orangery And A Conservatory

As detailed above, an orangery is an extension to your property whereas a conservatory is built specifically for enjoying your garden. Conservatories are built using the same material as orangeries and come in a wide range of styles, shapes and sizes according to your property type and preference. As concern for the environment grows, one style in particular is becoming popular-the   ‘sympathetic structure’.

To Stand Out Or Blend In?

Some want to stand out with a property that draws attention but there are certain glaring downsides to doing so. Having a property that is markedly different from the others on the street can be an eyesore as much as an eye pleaser. It also has the unfavourable factor of drawing attention to your wealth which may provoke unwanted attention. You can have a beautiful home but you might want to keep it in line with the shape, structure and colour of neighbouring homes.

Choosing An Eco Friendly Home

You might want to explore eco friendly options for your home such as pre installed solar panels, bamboo flooring and renewable materials for walls, doors and roofing. You can have a stylish home and save the environment at the same time.

How Conservatories And Orangeries Increase Your Property Value

A pleasant abode is good for your well being. Luxurious design, ample space and access to sunlight are all desirable features for any home. A home with ‘views of nature and greenery’ ranked 7^th place in importance at 4.2% in a survey conducted by The UK Green Building Council in their 2019 report ‘Health And Wellbeing In Homes’.

In ‘Phil Spencer’s top 20 ways to add value to your home’, the author lists the following consideration:

“Extending your living space is always a good idea, but the danger is that your conservatory ends up looking like something just bolted on the back. Make sure the conservatory matches the style of the rest of the house.”

The addition of a conservatory or orangery to your property can aid personal well being and increase the selling price of your property, all in all, a worthy investment. Ensure to use the best materials for the best appearance and for practicality and long term longevity.