EASY GUIDE TO GARDEN ROOMS

B ifold doors are a great way of completely opening up the room to the garden when the weather permits

Yo ur e a s y gu i de t o GARDEN ROOMS The information listed How about an extra room without the cost of over the following an extension? From a simple self-build to something pages is based on UK regulations, so if you live with all the amenities – we explore the options elsewhere be sure to research your own country’s rules.

LEARN… Essential FAQs

What is a garden room?

It is a stand-alone garden building, also classed as an outbuilding. Garden rooms are built to less than 2.5m (8.2ft) in height as standard, meaning they generally don’t require planning permission. They can be a unique space solution for your home, and also offer a separate area from the main living space that gives privacy and room to focus and relax. They also tend to be a more cost-effective and easy alternative to more traditional home extensions like loft conversions or conservatories.

What are the benefits of a garden room over other home-extension options?

● Planning permission is rarely required for a garden room. ● Building control sign off not required. ● Garden rooms can be installed in just one to five days, depending on which supplier you choose. ● There are generally no hidden costs, with all of the ‘essentials’ included in the price. ● Set up causes minimal disruption to your home life. ● Foundations/base installation and levelling are usually included in the price. ● They are a unique and modern building solution. ● Garden rooms are a cheaper and more cost-effective option. How much do garden rooms cost?

They can vary hugely in price depending on whether you are happy to put in a little elbow grease to build and paint the room yourself, or you’re looking for something more intricate. At the bottom end of the spectrum, a build-your-own summer house can cost just £700 ($970). At the top-end for a custom option, complete with power sockets and light fittings, can cost up to £58,745 ($81,630).

Multi-use

Flexible extra space

This gorgeous pod was designed to include a work area, and also space for the family to relax, entertain friends and spend time together. It took five days to build, including one day foundation build. It has been simply furnished and accessorised with colour pops of green, which links with the garden. An apt botanical theme is reflected in the choice of accessories. Garden room, greenretreats.co.uk

W hen considering where to position a garden room , allow for a patio area outside where a seating area can be set up

Do you need foundations for a garden room?

Without a strong and solid foundation, you risk damaging your garden building beyond repair once installed. If the company you’re buying from doesn’t include foundations in the price, you’ll need to hire a builder to do the job for you. A flat and level surface of paving slabs or concrete, no less than 10cm (4 inches) thick, is ideal. Remember to leave around 50cm (1.6ft) clearance if you’re building near walls, fencing or trees. How do you maintain a garden room?

Aim to give the exterior of your garden room a wipedown with warm soapy water once a year to wash off any dirt. Painted garden rooms will need a fresh coat of paint every few years to keep the woodwork in tip-top condition. Cedar clad structures require little to no maintenance, as the wood is naturally resistant to rot and fungal growth, however the wood will change colour from the rich red to a silver grey over time. Keep the area around the base of your garden building clear of long grass and leaves, too.

Can you add connecting services to a garden room?

Adding electricity and plumbing to a garden room is an expensive outlay and in some cases requires planning permission beforehand. If installing electrical sockets and switches, your building must be watertight and ideally insulated for safety. Adding sinks, showers or washing machines requires a plumber to install a fresh water pipe running from your house to the garden building and a separate waste pipe running out again.

What are the difference between a garden room and a shed?

Garden rooms are often known as ‘posh sheds’. But even though a garden room and a garden shed are both classed as ‘outbuildings’, the finishing on a garden room is more similar to a room in your house than it is to a shed.

Build your own

Cut costs

With six large windows and wide opening double doors, the Forest Garden Oakley summerhouse from Cuckooland comes ready to build, and will take an estimated four hours to assemble. Remember, you will need a firm, level foundation in place, such as a poured concrete base. Leave the natural wood exposed or paint to suit your scheme. ●Waltons (waltons.co.uk) also offer a good build-your-own range with options for professional installation at competitive rates. Forest Garden Oakley Overlap 8x6 Summer House, cuckooland.com

Top tip

Many people have found that the addition of a garden room has added to the resale value of their homes.

Do you need planning permission?

Garden rooms do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines. To classify as an ‘outbuilding’ under permitted development rules, it must not contain sleeping accommodation and must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m (8.2ft).

How big can I build a garden room without planning permission?

Maximum height As mentioned above, the eaves height would be limited to 2.5m (8.2ft). The maximum overall height depends on the roof shape – four metres for a dual pitch and three metres for any other type. However, if the building is within two metres of a boundary, the overall maximum height is restricted to 2.5m (8.2ft). Footprint Have you or any previous owners extended the house since 1948? If so, these extensions will eat up your permitted development allowance. Overall, you are not allowed to build on more than half the land associated with the house without full planning permission. Location It must not be located forward of the main front wall of the original house. The original house means as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948.

No verandas or balconies would be allowed without planning permission, and raised decking should be no higher than 300mm (11.8 inches).

Shepherd’s hut

A taste of tradition

Because it’s on wheels, a country-style shepherd’s hut is a great option if you see yourself moving home in the near future – as you can take it with you. Shepherd’s hut, redskyshepherdshuts.co.uk

● Planning permission isn’t usually required for shepherd’s huts, provided they’re in your garden and is for personal use only, however with any big investment, it’s always advisable to check with your local council first.

Are there specific restrictions regarding a particular property that you will need to check?

Flats, maisonettes or any other type of building do not have permitted development rights, so you won’t be able to build your garden room without getting full planning permission. Also, be aware that if your property has undergone a change of use, or has been converted into a house in the past, it may not enjoy permitted development rights. ● If your house or any buildings contained within the boundary are listed, your garden room will require full planning permission. ● If your house is in a conservation area, you will not be able to build a garden room to the side of the main house without obtaining planning permission.

Can you sleep in a garden room?

In many cases, a garden room can be built without the need to apply for building regulations, but if you plan to sleep in it – even only occasionally – you will need to apply for building regulations.

Garden gymnasium

Room for improvement

Cedar cladding contrasts against the eye-catching grey triangle, which highlights the aluminium bifold doors. The 5x 4m (16.4 x 13.1 ft) footprint provides enough space for the well-insulated, year-round cabin, which also benefits from extra headroom, so that there is no constraint on the exercises possible. Garden room, swiftorg.co.uk