Short answer: a conservatory to orangery conversion usually replaces the glazed or polycarbonate roof with a solid, insulated perimeter roof and a central glazed roof lantern, with a plastered pelmet inside. Some conversions also add brick piers or replace glazed sections of wall. Because it changes the structure and energy performance of the room, it needs Building Regulations approval, and the existing frames, walls and base must be checked to confirm they can carry the new roof.
What does converting a conservatory to an orangery involve?
The aim is to change a mostly glazed room into one with a solid perimeter roof and an overhead lantern — the main features of an orangery. Depending on the design and the condition of the existing structure, a conversion might include:
- A new roof: an insulated flat perimeter section with a waterproof membrane, and a roof lantern set on an upstand in the middle.
- An internal pelmet: a plastered ceiling band around the room that can take downlights.
- A ring beam or structural support to carry the new roof load on the existing frames or walls.
- External fascias and new guttering to give the orangery look from outside.
- Optional wall changes, such as adding brick piers or replacing glazed panels with solid sections. These are bigger jobs and may affect whether planning permission is needed.
Conservatory to orangery: the usual steps
- Survey and structural assessment. The provider checks the frames, dwarf walls and base. A solid roof is heavier than a glazed one, so the existing structure must be able to take the load — sometimes with reinforcement. Foundations may need checking with trial holes. In some cases, reusing the existing conservatory isn't practical and a rebuild is advised.
- Design and Building Regulations. The design must meet Building Regulations for structure, insulation, ventilation and weatherproofing. Many conversions use a manufactured roof system, and your provider should explain how building control approval will be obtained.
- Removing the old roof. The existing roof is stripped off, ideally in a dry spell.
- Building the new roof. The perimeter roof structure, insulation, membrane, upstand and lantern are installed, along with fascias and guttering.
- Inside finishing. The pelmet and ceiling are plasterboarded and skimmed; downlights and other electrics should be installed and certified by a qualified electrician.
- Sign-off. Building control inspects the work and you should receive a completion certificate.
Building Regulations and planning permission
A conservatory can be exempt from Building Regulations if it meets certain conditions, including having a significant proportion of its roof and walls glazed and being thermally separated from the house. Replacing most of the glazed roof with a solid one means the room is likely to lose that exemption, so the conversion needs Building Regulations approval. The new roof has to meet current standards for insulation, and the structure, foundations, ventilation and weatherproofing are checked. Keep the completion certificate — buyers' solicitors commonly ask for it.
Planning permission is not usually needed just to change the roof of an existing conservatory, but listed buildings, conservation areas and homes with removed permitted development rights may be different, and bigger changes to the walls or footprint can change the picture. Check with your provider and with Liverpool City Council, Sefton Council or Knowsley Council, depending on where you live.
Before you sign: ask who handles building control approval, whether a structural check of the frames and base is included, which roof and lantern system will be used, and what certificate you'll get at the end. Be wary of any quote that skips these steps.
Orangery conversion vs tiled roof vs warm roof
These options are often confused, because all three replace a glazed conservatory roof with something more solid. The difference is mainly in how much light you keep and how the room looks.
| Option | Roof | Overhead light | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orangery conversion | Solid flat perimeter with a central glazed lantern; plastered pelmet inside | Good, concentrated in the centre | People who want an extension feel but plenty of daylight |
| Tiled conservatory roof | Fully solid, pitched, tiled roof, usually with a plastered ceiling | Lower; roof windows can be added | Maximum year-round comfort and a roof that matches the house |
| Warm roof conservatory | Lightweight insulated solid roof system, often with glazed panels or roof windows | Varies with the design | A solid roof that keeps the conservatory's shape |
| Modern glass roof | Fully glazed with performance glass | High | Keeping a bright room while improving comfort |
If your conservatory is structurally sound but simply too hot or cold, it's worth comparing all of these before deciding. A good provider will explain the trade-offs for your room.
Is my conservatory suitable for conversion?
- Are the frames sound, square and free of significant movement?
- Are the dwarf walls and base free of cracks or signs of subsidence?
- Is there enough height at the house wall for a perimeter roof and lantern?
- Are there drains, trees or soft ground near the base that could affect foundations?
- Is the property listed or in a conservation area?
If the answer to the first two is no, a conversion may still be possible, but strengthening or a full rebuild could be needed. If the frames, walls and base are sound, converting the roof is generally far less disruptive than building a new extension.
What affects the cost of a conversion?
We don't publish conversion prices, because each one depends on the existing conservatory. The main factors are:
- Size and shape of the conservatory (lean-to, Edwardian, Victorian, P-shape)
- Structural work needed to frames, walls or foundations
- Roof system, membrane and insulation specification
- Lantern size and glass specification
- Any changes to the walls, such as new brick piers
- Internal finishing — plastering, downlights, electrics, decoration
- Building control fees and whether they're included
Our conservatory roof replacement cost guide explains how these factors affect solid roof prices.
Conservatory to orangery conversions in Liverpool
Many conservatories added to suburban homes in places such as Childwall, Gateacre and Wavertree are now old enough that owners are weighing a new roof against ongoing repairs. If you'd like to explore converting yours, call 07777 659786 and we'll aim to connect you with an independent local company who can survey the structure and quote. If you'd rather start smaller, we can also help with conservatory roof repairs in Liverpool, including with leaks and repairs on your existing roof. Once converted, see orangery roof repair and roof lantern repair for keeping the new roof in good condition, or learn more about the local conservatory roof repair service and how our referrals work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my conservatory into an orangery?
Often, yes, if the frames, walls and base are sound enough to carry a solid perimeter roof and lantern. A survey and structural assessment will confirm whether your conservatory is suitable, whether strengthening is needed, or whether a rebuild would be more practical.
Do I need Building Regulations approval to convert a conservatory to an orangery?
Yes, in most cases. Replacing a mostly glazed roof with a solid one means the room is unlikely to keep its conservatory exemption, so the work must meet Building Regulations for structure, insulation and ventilation. You should receive a completion certificate at the end.
Do I need planning permission to convert a conservatory to an orangery?
Usually not just for a roof change, but listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with removed permitted development rights may need consent, and bigger changes to the walls or footprint can affect this. Check with your local council if unsure.
What's the difference between an orangery conversion and a tiled conservatory roof?
A tiled roof is fully solid and pitched, usually with a plastered ceiling and optional roof windows. An orangery conversion has a solid flat perimeter with a central glazed lantern, so it keeps more overhead light in the middle of the room.