What is a Garden Room Extension?

So, you’ve considered having a conservatory and a loft conversion but neither of these ideas are practical. You feel out of luck but really want to add extra space to your property and have a dedicated home office. This is where something like a garden room extension could be the perfect addition!

But what is a garden room extension and how can it help you make the most of your property? Read on to find out!

The Garden Room Extension – Limitless Possibilities

Garden rooms in the UK are becoming increasingly popular and it’s due to the endless possibilities they give. A garden room extension is a standalone structure built in your garden, separate from your house.

It is sturdier than a shed and typically has windows and a door, and is insulated to be used all year round. These rooms have limitless uses and I have listed just a few of the exciting ideas below:

• Chill room
• Outdoor bar
• Games room
• Gaming corner
• Office
• Gym
• Playroom

Just think about having that dedicated space you always wanted for work or leisure or for your kids – a garden room extension can give you that.

Garden Room Extension Info You Need to be Aware Of

In most cases, getting a garden room extension built is easy but there are a couple of things you need to consider including planning permission and longevity.

Planning permission

In most instances, you do NOT need planning permission for a garden room extension and it can count as part of your permitted development rights. However, it has to comply with several specifications including:

• Must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m, and have a dual-pitched roof of 4m or other roof material of 3m.
• No balconies, verandas, or raised platforms.
• No more than half of your original land area around the house can be covered by additions.

Expected life

When you are undertaking such a drastic addition to your home you want some guarantee that the structure will last!

For garden room extensions, you can expect them to last for a minimum of 25 years but this can be much longer when things like insulation and material choices are factored in. It is possible to have these outbuildings that last for 40 years or longer.

Pros and Cons of a Garden Room Extension

As you can see, garden room extensions are packed full of potential and they are quite convenient to build so let summarise their pros and cons:

Pros

• It essentially gives your property an extra room that you otherwise couldn’t have.
• The potential uses are many and you can get that unique room you always wanted.
• In most instances, they are more cost-effective than conservatories and loft conversions.
• Planning permission is rarely required.
• Minimum disturbance to your home life as the work is outdoors.

Cons

• You lose some garden space which could mean less playing area for your kids or pets.
• You have to use it often to make it worth the cost.
• Insulation is needed to make the garden room extension usable all year round.

Garden Room Extension Alternatives

Garden room extensions are incredibly popular but they may not be suitable for everyone. You may not have enough space or suitable ground to install a garden room extension for example. If so, there are some alternatives including:

Conservatory

A conservatory is different from a garden room extension because it is connected to your house. Typically, conservatories have a uPVC frame with plenty of windows and perhaps a brick base to allow sunlight to pour in. They can be a fantastic place to relax during the warmer months but are notorious for being especially cold during the winter.

Loft conversion

Some houses have a loft large enough to be converted into a usable room. Depending on the size, a loft conversion can give you loads more space but they are generally more expensive than garden room extensions and there is the added disruption you have to deal with while the work is undertaken.

Garage conversion

A garage conversion is similar to a garden room extension and it has the benefit that you don’t need any extra planning permission to complete the work. Converting your garage is great for extra storage or a dedicated room like a gym, however, it could affect the value of your home or its ability to sell as many people do want a garage for their vehicle.

Utilize Your Outdoor Space With a Stylish and Functional Garden Room

A garden room extension could be just the thing you need to improve your quality of life and give your home that extra spark. Instead of having empty and unused outdoor space, why not enquire about a garden room today and start planning your new office, games room, or gym?