Adding a bright new room at the back of the house is one of the most popular home improvements in Northern Ireland. But there is a big difference between a sunroom, an orangery and a full extension – in comfort, cost and how often you will actually use the space.
Sunrooms and conservatories
Mostly glazed walls and roof give lots of light and a strong connection with the garden. They are usually the quickest and lowest-cost option. The downside is temperature: without careful design they can be cold in winter and hot in summer, which limits year-round use.
Orangeries
An orangery combines solid brick piers and a solid perimeter roof with a glazed lantern in the centre. It feels more like part of the house, holds heat better and still brings in plenty of daylight.
Single-storey extensions
A full extension is built to the same standards as the main house, with insulated walls, a solid roof and roof lights or large glazed doors as required. It is the most comfortable all year round and the most flexible – it can be a kitchen, family room, bedroom or office.
Comparing the options
- Comfort: extension, then orangery, then sunroom.
- Cost: sunroom is usually lowest, with extensions highest – though the gap is narrower than many people expect for a well-specified glazed room.
- Use: an extension can house a kitchen or bathroom; a sunroom generally cannot.
- Value: buyers tend to value a properly insulated, integrated extension more highly.
Approvals
Some glazed rooms are exempt from Building Regulations if separated from the house by external-quality doors, but once you open them up to the main home they normally need approval. Planning rules depend on size and position. Read our planning guide for more.
Our advice
If you want a space you will use every day of the year, a well-designed extension with generous glazing usually gives the best of both worlds. Explore our extensions or contact SC Developments for advice.
