- 15 September 2026|
- News
Ready to give your Reading home more space? A growing family, a new home office or simply a brighter room to relax in are all great reasons to extend. The first big decision is choosing the right type of build.
So, which is best: a conservatory, orangery or extension? A conservatory is usually the quickest and most affordable way to add a light-filled room. An orangery gives you a more solid, year-round space that still feels bright and open. A traditional extension adds the most space and feels fully part of the house, but it typically costs more and takes longer to build.
Below, we compare all three on cost, planning, build time and everyday use to help you find the right fit for your home. If you would like tailored advice first, we also offer a free home survey.
Conservatories: the quickest and most affordable option
Conservatories remain a popular choice for homeowners who want an affordable, light-filled room. With plenty of glazing and a lightweight roof, they create an instant connection with your garden. We offer lean-to, Edwardian, Victorian, gable end and combination styles to suit different homes.
- Cost: Generally the most budget-friendly way to add extra space.
- Planning requirements: Most conservatories fall under permitted development, so you may not need planning permission if certain size limits are met. Listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 areas are the exceptions.
- Build time: Once your design is approved, work is typically ready to begin within 6 to 10 weeks. Installation then usually takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Orangeries: a bright room that feels part of the house
If you want something between a glass room and a brick building, an orangery is well worth considering. Our orangeries combine solid brick pillars and an insulated flat roof with slim aluminium frames and large glazed panels. Add a roof lantern and the room fills with daylight while still feeling like part of your home.
- Cost: Usually sits between a conservatory and a traditional extension, reflecting the extra brickwork and roof structure.
- Planning requirements: Most orangeries fall under permitted development and do not need planning permission, provided they meet certain size and placement limits. If your design does need approval, we can help with the planning process.
- Build time: Orangeries follow a similar timeline to conservatories, with work ready to start within 6 to 10 weeks of approval and installation typically taking 4 to 8 weeks.
A modern bespoke orangery designed with matching brickwork, aluminium bi-fold doors and a glazed lantern roof.
Traditional extensions: the most permanent living space
For a fully integrated living space, such as an open-plan kitchen diner, an extension is often the right choice. It is built from brick and blockwork on new foundations, with solid walls, an insulated roof and plastered finishes. The floor is also laid level with the rooms it joins. We also offer kitchen extensions and glazed extensions, which combine solid walls with large areas of glass.
- Cost: The highest of the three, due to foundations, structural steel and interior finishing.
- Planning requirements: Many extensions go ahead under permitted development, although conservation areas and Article 4 directions can restrict this. Building regulations approval is always needed. We design every extension in-house and will confirm your planning position for free before drawing up plans.
- Build time: A straightforward rear extension generally takes 8 to 12 weeks on site, including around 3 to 5 weeks for groundworks.
How will you use the space?
The right choice depends on how you plan to use the room day to day. If you want an airy garden room for relaxing or casual dining, a conservatory with a glass roof is a great fit.
If you need a room you can use comfortably all year, such as a living room or kitchen, an orangery or extension offers better insulation. You can also choose a conservatory with a tiled or solid roof for a warmer, more room-like feel.
A glazed single storey extension creating additional ground-floor living space with direct garden access.
Choosing the right option for your Reading home
Every home in Reading has its own character, from Victorian terraces to 1930s semis and modern detached houses. Finding the best fit means balancing your design ideas with practical factors like budget, garden space and local planning rules.
Here at Oakley Green Conservatories, we are a family-run business helping homeowners across Reading design and build bespoke living spaces. We handle everything from the free home survey and in-house design to technical drawings and installation. Every project is backed by our 10-year guarantee on all products and workmanship.
Start planning your home extension today
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your ideas and arrange your free home survey. Call us on 01635 877 959, visit our showroom in Thatcham or contact us online to request your free quote. You can also browse our case studies to see some of our recent projects.