Add value and more space with an Orangery

According to Money Week, Britain is in the grip of a full-blown house price crash. In fact they report that this is already the worst house price crash on record, far bigger than the slump in the 1990s, with house prices back to 2004 levels and the outlook is not good.

Not good news for estate agents but for some other industries it’s creating an opportunity – an opportunity for home improvements. With so many people being unable to afford to move or trade up to a larger property because of the costs involved, particularly stamp duty, the demand for home improvements has shot up as families choose to stay where they are. We spoke to Wayne Boyle from Orangeries of Distinction about the opportunities he is seeing because of the housing market downturn.

What is an Orangery?

Designed to look good, plentiful windows and a large glazed atrium to open the roof space to the sky, an orangery allows light to flood in from outdoors. But unlike many conservatories, an Orangery is usable all year round; cool in the summer and cosy in the winter. Orangeries are not new; they’ve been around since the 17th and 18th centuries in the grand houses of Europe, of elegant design and made traditionally from wood and glass. Today, we have taken the elegance and brought them right up to date using energy efficient A rated glass and a brick construction with options for heating and air conditioning. They become living areas that people can actually use and of course they look absolutely stunning.

But what is the difference between an Orangery and a conservatory?

One of the key differences is that conservatories are seen as temporary or an add on to a property, whereas an Orangery is seen as a more permanent structure, extending the home outwards. Therefore providing more opportunities to add greater value and practical use to a home. With no sign of the economic downturn improving and the housing market still very much stagnant, those of us who need more living space or want to add value to our homes, Orangeries make perfect sense. Wayne adds, “As part of Droylsden Glass we have the benefit of nearly 30 year’s experience from a leading North West glazing company. It enables us to provide affordable and effective home improvements solutions, from energy efficient double glazing to conservatories. And we are very excited to be able to offer orangeries through our specialist division Orangeries of Distinction.”

Testimonials

“I’ve been working in the home improvement business for over 20 years and have seen many trends come and go. There has definitely been an upturn in home improvements that add real value to a home in terms of space and usability. When I first started in the business UPVC double glazing and conservatories were the must haves. Conservatories are still popular but many of those original conservatories are looking tired and many people say that they didn’t provide the additional living space they originally anticipated because they were cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. Today, Orangeries have become really popular. Discerning customers are choosing Orangeries as an elegant living space that will add value to their homes.”

If you would like to find out more about an Orangery for your home or to arrange a free survey call Orangeries of Distinction on 0800 074 0897 or visit www.orangeriesofdistinction.co.uk