Do You Need Building Regulations for an Orangery? What You Should Know

Understanding building regulations for orangeries is crucial when planning this elegant home extension. While orangeries can transform your living space and add significant value to your property, ensuring compliance with current building standards is essential. At Reddish Joinery, we’re often asked about the regulatory requirements, so we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process. 

When Do Building Regulations Apply to Orangeries?

Most orangeries will require building regulations approval. However, the specific requirements depend on several factors. These include: 

• The size and location of your planned orangery 

• Whether it’s separated from your house by external doors 

• The amount of glazing used in the design 

• The intended use of the space 

Building regulations apply to most orangeries to ensure that they achieve the required standards for safety and energy efficiency. 

Key Building Regulation Requirements for Orangeries

Structural Integrity

When carrying out any building work, safety is paramount. To ensure the ongoing safety of any occupants, your orangery must be built on proper foundations and feature adequate structural support. This includes: 

• Appropriate foundation depth and construction 

• Suitable wall thickness and support 

• Roof loading calculations 

• Wind resistance considerations 

Thermal Efficiency

Modern building regulations place significant emphasis on energy efficiency. Your orangery must meet current U-value requirements for:  

• Windows and doors (1.6 W/m²K or lower) 

• Walls (0.28 W/m²K or lower) 

• Roof (0.18 W/m²K or lower) 

Fire Safety

Although fire safety regulations are usually applied to multi-occupancy properties, any residential building work should be completed to meet current fire safety standards. Fire safety regulations require: 

• Appropriate escape routes 

• Fire-resistant materials where necessary 

• Suitable glazing in critical locations 

Exemptions from Building Regulations

In some cases, your orangery might be exempt from certain building regulations. Your orangery installation will not need building regulations approval if: 

• It’s under 30m² floor area 

• It’s separated from the house by external quality doors 

• It has independent heating controls 

• The glazing meets safety standards 

Planning Permission vs Building Regulations

It’s important to note that planning permission and building regulations are two separate considerations. You might need both, either, or neither, depending on your specific circumstances. We recommend checking with your local authority before proceeding with any work. 

Professional Support and Compliance

At Reddish Joinery, our orangery installations always comply with current building regulations. Our experienced team can guide you through the approval process and provide all the necessary technical specifications.  

We can liaise with building control on your behalf, ensure that all work meets current standards, and handle and arrange any building control inspections. 

If you’re considering adding an orangery to your home, don’t let building regulations concerns hold you back. Contact our expert team for a consultation – we’ll ensure your project meets all necessary requirements while creating a beautiful, practical space for your home. 

Ready to start your orangery project? Get in touch with us today for professional advice and a free quote. Call Reddish Joinery on 0161 969 7474 or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.