In this article we will be exploring garden room ideas, looking at why there has been a surge in sales in recent years and give you inspiration on how to incorporate a garden room into your garden.
For me, COVID feels like a distant bad dream, yet it has prompted significant adjustments in our lifestyle. Perhaps one of the most noticeable shifts has been the transition to a work-from-home mindset. Before the initial lockdown, only 5.7% of individuals were remotely working. However, this figure currently stands at over 35% of workers taking more hybrid or remote working roles.
Whilst perhaps the commute is shorter from the bed to the downstairs desk, studies have shown that people are struggling to separate work and home life. Many people are cottoning onto the idea of having a garden room – therefore physically separating work from home.
As we have been creating more beautiful gardens, we have noticed the popularity of garden rooms has increased – possibilities are abundant. Your garden room space can become a photography studio, therapy room, entertainment space, exercise space, guest accommodation, and so on. To help you decide on what is a significant investment for your garden, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below.
Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a Garden Room?
I consider myself someone who can handle the occasional simple DIY projects around the house, like painting or hanging picture frames. However, I know that attempting to create a garden room from scratch would likely result in disaster. Therefore, the decision to build or buy a garden room depends on factors such as budget, time, expertise, and personal preference.
Building a garden room from the ground up has its advantages, such as saving money on labour and potentially on materials. However, it all hinges on your skill level. If you lack experience in such projects, the result could be far from desirable, potentially leading to frustration for both you and your neighbours. In such cases, opting for the cheapest solution may not necessarily be the best choice.
On the flip side, purchasing a pre-made garden room or kit offers convenience and speed, but it typically comes with a higher upfront cost. Despite the initial investment, this option may be more appealing for those who lack the necessary skills or time to undertake a DIY construction project.
Do I Need Permission for a Garden Room?
In many cases, garden rooms fall under “permitted development rights,” which means they can be built without the need for planning permission, subject to certain limitations and conditions.
However, there are exceptions, such as if your property is in a conservation area or has other restrictions in place. It’s essential to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and obtain any necessary permits before proceeding with construction.
Do Garden Rooms Add Value to Your House?
Garden rooms have the potential to add value to your property by increasing living space and boosting overall appeal to potential buyers. On average, it can contribute up to 8.4% more to your property’s overall worth. However, this is still all dependent on the location and quality of the installation as well.
A well-designed and professionally constructed garden room can serve as a desirable feature that sets your property apart from others on the market.
When calculating potential returns, it’s always good to consider factors of the garden room such as size and location. While it may be tempting to opt for a larger structure, it’s essential to understand that bigger doesn’t always mean better in terms of property value. In fact, removing valuable space from your garden could have unintended consequences for your investment strategy.
Instead, focus on how you can utilize the garden room to add something unique and appealing to potential buyers. Flexibility is key here. Consider how the space can be adapted to meet various needs and preferences, making it more attractive to a wider range of buyers.
Are Garden Rooms Warm in Winter?
When it comes to heating your garden room it can depend on what you want to use it for, if this will be an office that you will be using throughout the year, you don’t want it to be freezing and therefore won’t skimp out on installation for the heating.
Another consideration is the placement of the room in the garden, as you would want it to be bright enough but not get boiling in the summer. This can be resolved by installing double-glazed windows which will improve energy efficiency and temperature control or by placing the room not in direct sunlight. Additionally, incorporating a reliable heating system, such as underfloor heating, electric radiators, or a wood-burning stove, can provide consistent warmth and create a welcoming atmosphere in your garden room.
What is the Most Efficient Way to Heat a Garden Room?
The most efficient way to heat a garden room will depend on factors such as size, insulation, energy source availability, and personal preferences. Electric heating options, such as infrared panels or ceramic convection heaters, offer quick and controllable warmth with minimal installation hassle. Alternatively, wood-burning stoves or pellet stoves provide cozy ambiance and cost-effective heating but require regular maintenance and fuel replenishment.
Can I Build a Garden Room Next to My Neighbour’s Fence?
Building a garden room next to your neighbour’s fence may be a difficult question to answer in the sense that there are lots of variables to consider. There is the consideration of property boundaries, privacy concerns, and potential arguments or disagreements that might not be worth the hassle.
What is the 2.5 m Rule for Garden Rooms?
The 2.5-meter rule, also known as the “permitted development” rule, stipulates that garden rooms or outbuildings must be located at least 2.5 meters away from the main house. However, this rule may vary depending on your property’s specific circumstances and local planning regulations.
Can You Sleep in a Garden Summer House?
With most things it depends on preference and what you would feel comfortable doing, but absolutely! Why shouldn’t your garden room be a space where you can spend the night given that you have equipped it with insulation, heating, and proper furnishings it can create a wonderful and comfortable place for an overnight stay.
Additionally, consider the practicalities of accessing amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation to ensure a comfortable and safe overnight stay in your garden summer house.
Outdoor rooms
Sometimes I think that people have a preconceived idea of what a ‘garden room’ should look like, but surely it doesn’t always have to be what we imagine. Is a green house a garden room?
Garden Rooms at Malvern Flower Festival
As part of our Malvern 2023 project, where we proudly won gold, with our talented lead designer – @JamieLanglands the garden room served as a lovely addition to our @WildlifeTrust Garden. I think this award-winning garden design defines the idea that a garden room can be a beautiful addition to your garden without taking all the spotlight from your garden itself. With our focus on making the garden as wildlife friendly as possible, we also wanted the garden room to continue this theme.
Garden Design | Garden Rooms
As a garden design company, we carefully consider numerous variables when determining the placement and design of garden rooms to ensure they fit with the overall aesthetics of the garden.
garden rooms offer endless possibilities for enhancing your garden and expanding your home’s functionality. By addressing common questions and exploring creative ideas for design, furniture, extensions, and decorations, you can create a unique and inviting space that enriches your lifestyle and adds value to your property.
I think one of the crucial things with designing a garden or deciding to include a garden room is bringing a touch of your personality to the space. You can get in contact with us if you need advice from one of our talented garden designers or are looking for a garden room installation service in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, and Warwickshire.
