Garden rooms are not just for the summer. If you are looking for additional space in your home, then a garden room can do this, as well as potentially maximise your sale price.
Quality garden rooms are built with a range of materials and include insulation and heating, ensuring they are protected from the elements at all times of the year. Walls, roofs and floors use various insulation layers to create a comfortable internal atmosphere and wall mounted radiators and underfloor heating can also be added to keep the building cosy throughout the winter months.
Things to consider when deciding on a garden room:
- Size matters – what space do you need and what space is this going to take up in your garden? Think about proportions and how the new building might impact on how you currently use your existing garden space.
- Purpose – what are you going to use the room for? Will it be a home office, a place for snuggling up with a book and for peace and quiet, an exercise room, or is it an extra space to socialise in?
- Insulation – make sure your garden room is practical for both summer and winter months with correct insulation, ventilation and heating if required. Check the position of your garden room and windows as not only will the windows offer sunlight but they can help heat the room too if they are south facing.
- Extras – what extras do you need in your garden room? If you are using it as a home office you will need to check your wifi signal will be strong enough. Lighting and heating will also require some type of electrical supply.
- Planning permission – most garden rooms don’t require planning permission (although they may require a building warrant). They are classed as outbuildings, meaning you’re allowed to build one as long as you comply with certain rules (e.g. they are not for sleeping purposes). However, if you are planning a particularly large garden building you may need permission so it is best to always check with your local authority.
- Security – an outbuilding can be tempting to an intruder so ensure that it is secure, well lit, and that you have the appropriate home insurance in place.
Double glazing, insulation and heating will ensure you can use your garden room year-round and most garden rooms are designed to last for many decades with little annual maintenance. Even if you don’t need planning permission, you may need a building warrant for the room so please ensure you check with your local authority on both planning permission and building warrants before going ahead – and of course make sure you get any response in writing!
As well as for your own use, a garden room attracts more buyers to your property, with some high-quality garden rooms boosting the value of your home by 5% to 15%, so make sure you have everything in order.