Your Guide - Garden Rooms
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A garden room is a great way to add living space without having to update your home. Since the pandemic, there has been a surge in the demand of garden rooms, with so many people creating an office in their garden room as a long term working from home solution.
Garden rooms can be used for so much more than an office, we see amazing living spaces, gyms and even guest bedrooms which are all such a practical way of adding an additional room when you don't want to extend your home.
Our handy guide answers all of your popular questions, including the potential cost and the planning permission rules for a new garden room. We also share some inspiring ideas to give you some inspiration!
Stunning garden room in the home of @oakappledecor finished in Shu Sugi Ban cladding.
Do You Need Planning Permission For A Garden Room?
Garden rooms are categorised as outbuildings and therefore typically don't require planning permission, as long as you follow and stay within certain guidelines.
There are many factors which determine whether you need planning permission for your garden room, including what it's being used for, where it will be located, the size and your home's location.
Some of the main points to follow if you want to build your garden room within permitted development include:
1. The area that you live in
In general, homes that do not have permitted development rights will require planning permission for all extension work, including a garden room. This includes properties that are listed buildings or in designated areas, such as a conservation area or National Park.
Similarly, if your property is a maisonette or a flat then you will require planning permission to build a garden room.
2. The size of your garden room
The garden room should be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres. The maximum overall height should be 4 metres for a dual pitched roof or 3 metres for any other type of roof.
If the garden room is within 2 metres of the boundary, the maximum height allowed is 2.5 metres to meet the permitted development requirements.
Standard garden rooms are 2.5 metres high which is normally enough to create a comfortable space for most uses. The only time you may want it higher is if you are using it for a gym and need the additional head space.
3. Positioning of the garden room
The garden room must not be to the front of your home but to the rear of your property. Again, this shouldn't be an issue for a garden room.
4. Area of land covered
No more than 50% of the area of land around the original house can be covered by a garden room or other extension work.
You will need to consider this if either you or previous owners have extended your property in the past.
5. No balconies, verandas or raised platforms
Any garden room should not have a balcony, verandas or raised platform (raised platforms no more than 0.3 metres high) to keep within permitted development rules.
It's worth remembering that the garden room is categorised as an outbuilding if the use is considered incidental to the enjoyment of your home. If you are planning to use the garden room for an office where you meet with clients, this wouldn't be deemed as incidental, compared with a garden room that you sometimes use to work from home. If the use of your garden room isn't incidental then you may be required to apply for planning permission.
For a full list of planning permission garden room requirements, then check out the planning portal.
Brick built garden room finished with crittall style doors from the home of Insta account @atnumbereighteen. Built by @woodbrobuild.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Garden Room?
The time it takes to build a garden room will depend on the style, finish and whether it's bespoke or not.
If you choose a larger garden room company that make standard spaces, it will take around 2-3 weeks to prepare, build and finish the garden room.
Another option is to choose a smaller firm where your garden room is bespoke, which may take longer to build as it won't be pre-fabricated.
The lead times to order a garden room however can be quite long, with lots of demand increasing over the past year.
Note that some garden room companies will not prepare the concrete base for you, so you might need to factor in some preparation time yourself.
How Much Does A Garden Room Cost?
The garden room cost can vary greatly depending on whether you are doing it on a DIY basis or you are having one made by a garden room specialist company.
If you are extremely handy and can buy the timber, windows and the other materials yourself, then you could make a garden room for around £1-£2k. Remember you will need to get a certified electrician to carry out any electric work.
If you are looking to spend less than £10k, then a basic log cabin, shed style which will need to be done on a DIY basis.
If you are opting for a garden room specialist company, the average price is around £20-£30k for a 3 x 4 metre garden room. This would include insulation, lighting, windows & doors, flooring and heating.
The price will increase with the size, design and also additional extras such as bifold doors or air conditioning.
Do I Need To Comply With Building Regulations For A Garden Room?
If the garden room is to be used for sleeping accommodation then you will be required to apply for building control approval. Otherwise, you will not need to apply for building control approval for your garden room.
What Garden Room Size Should I Choose?
The size of your garden room may be driven by your budget and also the space that you have available.
Garden rooms start as small as 2 x 2 metres, however this size would only be suitable for a small office. A comfortable garden room would be anything from around 3 x 4 metres to 5 x 7 metres and they can be much larger if you have the space.
It's also worth considering the ceiling height, particularly if you are a tall family. The standard height is around 2.5 metres high (although they may slope) which should be adequately comfortable for most, however if you are using it for gym equipment then you may want to consider choosing a higher ceiling.
Garden room from the home of Insta account @life_of_isatu
Does A Garden Room Add Value To Your Property?
By adding more floor space to your property, it's thought that a garden room will add around 5% of value to your property.
With the surge in working from home, it is also likely to make your home easier to sell with the additional space. However, for a garden room to add value it should be well insulated and habitable all year round.
Some Garden Room Ideas
It's important to decide what you are going to use your garden room for so that it's worthwhile building and investing in one.
With the additional space, you can use your garden room for so many different things and it can be multi-functional too.
Garden Room Office
One of the most popular uses for a garden room is an office; it's ideal to have a space away from your main home to keep work and home life separate.
Garden Room Gym
Using your garden room as a gym is such a good use of the space if your family likes to keep fit. Just remember to install air conditioning and make sure the ceiling height is enough for the gym equipment.
Garden Room Lounge
Creating a separate living space in your garden room is a great idea; whether you want somewhere you can enjoy the views of the garden and spend more time in the summer months, or as a place for teenagers to have some more space when they are entertaining friends whilst still being at home.
Garden Room Games Room
Creating a sociable space is a good use of a garden room. Think about turning it into a games room which creates a fun space when you are entertaining friends. You could have a projector cinema style screen, a bar or a pool table.
Garden Room Annex
Whether it's to be used as a granny annex or for guests staying, having an additional bedroom and potentially en-suite is a good use of this additional space.
If you are going to be sleeping in the garden room then you must seek building control approval.
Garden Room Studio
Another popular option is to turn it into an area such as a Pilates/Yoga studio or an art studio. If your work is creative at all, it's ideal to have a space which is removed from your home, particularly if you bring clients there.
If you are looking to use it for a place where you meet clients then you will need to confirm the planning permission requirements with your local authority,
Other Things To Consider Before You Install Your Garden Room....
If your garden room is south facing, it will heat up very quickly in the summer months which could make it uncomfortable to work in or use as a gym. If this is the case, consider installing an air conditioning system if you are planning on using it daily.
Also consider what extras you really need included. Adding plumbing for a toilet or a sink will add significantly to the cost. So if the garden room is in close proximity to your home then consider if you really need these costly extras.
Published: March 23, 2023
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