- 22 July 2026|
- News
The appeal of single storey extensions is pretty clear.
They give you extra space to enjoy, increase the value of your home, and generally make day-to-day life easier.
However, it’s understandable that the main hesitation homeowners have before committing to home extensions is the cost. The good news is that at Oakley Green Conservatories, our extensions are completely bespoke.
This gives you the best possible control over the final price. You can choose a premium roof, larger footprint, and a grand Gable End style if you’re willing to invest more. Likewise, if you’re on a budget, we can create an affordable installation that cuts no corners on quality. The total cost depends on a range of things, including the style, materials and door type selected so it’s tricky to give accurate estimates without this information.
Each of our installations are completed with energy efficiency in mind too, with the aim of making running costs as low as possible, whilst also making the new space incredibly comfortable whatever the weather. We’ll delve into the costs and options available to you in more detail below.
The best way to truly understand how much a single storey extension will cost is to get a no-obligation quote. These are completely free, with no pressure to proceed.
Comparing conservatory styles and materials
Because we design every conservatory entirely around your lifestyle, there is complete flexibility in how you allocate your budget. You can keep things beautifully simple and cost-effective, or upgrade the specification with premium, high-performance features.
The table below outlines how different styles and materials compare in relative terms, as a rough guide:
| Style | Investment Level | Cost Profile |
| Lean-to | Entry-level | Our most affordable, straightforward option |
| Edwardian | Mid-range | A competitive, space-maximising step up from a Lean-to |
| Victorian | Mid-range | Classic, elegant design sitting comparable to Edwardian uPVC |
| Gable-End | Premium | A higher-end investment due to its grand, upright front roof design |
*It’s important to note that these are estimates, and in some cases, a Gable-End conservatory may be cheaper than a Victorian/Edwardian, if the latter styles have higher specification glazing, doors, roof, etc.*
The best and only way to get a real understanding is to obtain a quote.
How do orangeries compare?
Orangeries usually sit at a higher, more premium price point than standard conservatories. This is due to their more substantial, permanent structural design, which incorporates solid brick pillars, an insulated internal ceiling pelmet, and a grand glazed roof lantern.
Because of this solid construction, an orangery acts much more like a traditional single-storey brick extension than a classic conservatory.
While a basic conservatory represents a highly accessible starting point, an orangery sits comfortably in the mid-to-high tier. Choosing premium additions like wide aluminium bi-fold doors, structural glass, or bespoke colour finishes will naturally move the project toward the top of the investment scale.
What impacts the cost of a single storey extension?
Several factors shape your final price. Here are the most important.
Size
Larger footprints mean higher costs across materials, labour and groundwork. Every additional square metre adds up.
Style and structural complexity
A lean-to is far simpler to build than a gable end or combination design. More elaborate structures take longer to engineer and install.
Materials
uPVC is the most popular choice, and one we highly recommend. It’s affordable because it can be mass-produced, not because it compromises on quality. It is industry-leading for cost-effectiveness; it’s also low maintenance and thermally efficient. Timber is more expensive and requires more upkeep, so our suggestion is that uPVC is usually a good idea.
Roof type
Your roof has a huge impact on both cost and comfort. A glass roof is the most accessible option; a tiled Ultraroof or hybrid Livinroof costs more upfront but is industry-leading for thermal performance.
Glazing
High-performance glazing is useful whatever the weather. In the winter, heat will be retained inside, so you’ll be able to use the space comfortably without ramping up the heating.
During summer heatwaves, like the ones we’ve experienced this year, glass continues to reduce heat transfer, this time by blocking unwelcome warmth from entering, as well as glare.
Doors and extras
Because these extensions are fully bespoke, some doors will naturally come in at a higher price than others. An example of this would be aluminium bifold doors, but to many they’re worth the outlay for the beautiful external views they provide, and the option they give you to eliminate a wall completely.
The cornice type you choose, as well as the frame colour, can also impact the bottom line.
Does a single storey extension need planning permission?
Most single storey rear extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning no formal planning application is required.
However, if you live in a conservation area or exceed permitted development limits, it may be required. Building regulations approval will also apply, covering structural integrity, insulation and fire safety. This is where choosing a local, independent installation company pays dividends, as we regularly liaise with officers and the local council getting projects over the line, and have gained a real understanding of what gets approved here.
We can also handle the entire process for you. In the unlikely scenario where planning permission is required, we will notify you, manage the application ourselves and report back regularly, taking the stress and time out of your responsibilities list.
How to reduce single storey extension running costs
The right specification choices at the design stage make your new extension far cheaper and more comfortable to live in long-term. Here’s where to focus.
Glazing
We give you the choice of glazing, with options including:
- Solar control glass: Rejects up to 82% of solar heat
- UV-filtering glass: Blocks up to 94% of UV rays, protecting furniture and flooring
- Self-cleaning glass: A UV-activated coating means rainwater does the cleaning for you
Insulation
Ultraframe’s multi-chambered uPVC profiles trap warm air within the frame, acting as a thermal break that can make the structure up to 4°C warmer than standard alternatives. Super insulated columns are also available, up to five times more efficient than a standard brick pier.
Thermally efficient roofs
Glass conservatory roof
Available in 24mm to 35mm glazing, our glass roofs feature a thermally broken ridge and advanced acoustic insulation. Solar control glass keeps the space bright and comfortable year-round.
Tiled conservatory roof (Ultraroof)
Achieving U-values as low as 0.16 W/m²K, the Ultraroof is the most thermally advanced tiled system available. It’s lightweight, fully building regulations compliant and independently fire tested. Tile colours include carbon grey, harvest brown and terra brick. Roof windows are available to let light in.
Solid panel conservatory roof (Livinroof)
The Livinroof combines a solid insulated roof with glazed panels placed exactly where you want the light. It achieves U-values of 0.16-0.17 W/m²K and has been independently fire tested as a complete assembled roof.
Single storey extension styles from Oakley Green Conservatories
We design and install various type of extensions, each built entirely around your home and lifestyle.
| Style | Best for | Standout feature |
| Lean-to | Smaller plots, modern homes | Clean single-pitched roof |
| Edwardian | Maximising floor space | Square footprint, versatile layout |
| Victorian | Character and external appearance | Faceted curved front |
| Gable end | Height and drama | Vaulted ceiling feel |
| Combination | Unique or unusual layouts | Blends two styles seamlessly |
| Orangery | Premium year-round living | Solid pillars, glazed lantern |
Edwardian: A square or rectangular footprint that maximises usable floor space. Clean lines and a pitched roof make it a timeless, adaptable choice for dining rooms, home offices or open plan living.
Victorian: The faceted, curved front gives the Victorian its distinctive grandeur. A popular choice for detached houses where kerb appeal matters as much as interior space. Ornate detailing on the roof.
Lean-to: Simple and brilliantly versatile. The lean-to suits properties with lower eaves or limited garden space, and its modern profile works beautifully on contemporary homes. Often the most affordable installation.
Gable end: A roof that peaks at the centre creates a dramatic, vaulted ceiling and floods the interior with natural light. One of the most striking designs in our collection.
Combination: For homes with unusual layouts or homeowners who want something entirely unique, a combination conservatory blends two styles to create a completely bespoke result.
Orangeries: Solid brick pillars, an insulated flat roof and a glazed lantern come together to create a space that feels every bit like a full extension. Each orangery is engineered to your exact postcode and weather tested to hurricane speed winds, delivering outstanding thermal performance and a refined, year-round living space.
Customisation options
Every Oakley Green extension is finished to your exact specification:
- Roof type: Glass, tiled (Ultraroof) or hybrid (Livinroof)
- Frame colours: White, anthracite grey, woodgrain finishes or bespoke RAL colours
- Glazing: Solar control, self-cleaning or standard
- Doors: Options include aluminium bifold doors, uPVC French doors, aluminium patio sliding doors and more
Why choose Oakley Green Conservatories?
We’re a family run business based in Berkshire, specialising in bespoke conservatories, orangeries and extensions across Thatcham, Reading and the South of England. With a 4.8-star average rating on Google and a portfolio of stunning installations to browse in our case studies, we let our work speak for itself.
- Completely bespoke: Every project is designed around your home
- British-made products: Manufactured to the highest standards
- 10-year guarantee: On all products and workmanship
- Trusted suppliers: Include Ultraframe, Deceuninck, AluK and Yale
- Concept to completion: Full in-house project management from design to sign-off
- Fast lead times: Most projects begin within 6-10 weeks of quote approval
Visit our showroom to see our products in person, or call us on 01635 877 959 to start planning your single storey extension today.
