Garden Room Extensions: Outdoor Ideas
Create your own outdoor retreat with a garden room extension. Learn about innovative designs, costs, and whether you’ll need planning permission.
Think of turning your garden into a multi-functional space that enhances your home and your lifestyle. Garden room extensions are fast becoming a favourite among UK homeowners who want to increase their living space without the hassle of a full house renovation.
A garden room is a standalone building in your garden for various uses, office, studio or relaxation space. These versatile rooms have big windows to let in lots of natural light and connect you to your outdoor space.
These modern additions are style, practicality and affordability in one, offering many benefits – from creating functional space without losing bedrooms to avoiding planning restrictions altogether. With flexible living on the rise, now’s the time to get to know garden room extensions.
This 2024 guide will cover everything you need to know about garden room extensions, including planning permissions, installation, materials and how they can increase your home’s value. Whether you need more space for a home office or a leisure retreat, this article will give you all the information you need to make informed decisions about your garden.
A garden room is a standalone building, separate from the main house, that combines indoor comfort and outdoor appeal. Unlike house extensions, these versatile spaces are designed to stand alone in the garden and can be customised to suit different needs. Fully insulated, garden rooms are designed to be useable all year round so you can enjoy a snug space whatever the weather.
Garden rooms can be built from scratch as bespoke garden buildings to your design or as converted structures, such as converted detached garages. They can accommodate many activities and necessities – as peaceful garden offices, dynamic home gyms or extra living space for guests.
While they offer extra space like traditional extension options, garden room extensions can be very different in cost. The price depends on many factors – size, complexity of design, materials and the contractor you choose to do the work. But they are a popular and often cheaper option if you want extra space without a full house extension.
Garden room extensions are fast becoming a favourite among homeowners looking to increase their living space and for good reason. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a garden room over a traditional house extension is the indoor/outdoor fusion they offer. With flexibility, they can create a seamless transition into the garden, a year round haven that traditional extensions can’t match.
Garden rooms are also less complicated in design and build than traditional extensions. A traditional extension would involve more demolition and building work, potentially disrupting your life for months. Garden room projects are generally simpler, quicker and often less invasive. And garden rooms can be adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured. Whether for visiting guests, a peaceful garden office or a creative art studio, these rooms offer flexibility you can’t get with most bricks and mortar extensions.
Another bonus is the amount of natural light they bring. Designed with plenty of glazing, they create bright and airy spaces that flood the occupants with sunlight – something you may not get with a traditional house extension due to the existing property constraints.
And the cost of a garden room is often lower. They are generally cheaper so it’s a more affordable way to get extra living space. All this aesthetic appeal, simplicity, multipurpose use and cost benefit makes garden rooms a good alternative to traditional house extensions.
Creating extra space in your home without losing any bedrooms is one of the big benefits of choosing a garden room. Unlike traditional extensions which may require you to convert existing rooms, garden rooms add to your living space as they are standalone structures within your outdoor space. This means daily life in the main house remains largely unaffected during the build and use of the garden room.
High quality garden room extensions not only provide the extra room you need but can also increase the value of your property by around 1.5 times the cost of the build. They are an investment that pays off in the long run. The versatility of these structures comes into play again as they can be used as personal gyms, hobby rooms or extra entertaining space so you can declutter your main house and designate areas for different activities.
And the modern insulated design of garden rooms means you can use them all year round, even in winter. So they offer a big advantage where the main house remains intact and space within it is preserved or even increased by re-allocating activities to the garden room.
When it comes to extending your home, cost is often top of the list. Garden room extensions can be a cost effective option, prices start from £23,000 to £35,000. This is a lot lower than traditional house extensions and with minimal disruption to the household during the build.
Compared to the general costs of traditional home extensions – £100,000 for a 4m x 5m build – a similar sized fully insulated garden room can be built for around £30,000. For those on a tighter budget, even basic garden structures can be had for as little as £10,000 so there are big savings to be had compared to traditional extension methods.
As an investment for the long term, garden rooms can add around 15% to the value of your property. This is often more than the cost of the garden room itself so they are not only a cost effective alternative to traditional extensions but they may even make you money if you sell the property.
A garden room extension is often the preferred choice for homeowners who want to add space quickly and with minimal fuss, partly because of the lighter planning restrictions. In many cases these structures are within Permitted Development Rights so you don’t need full planning permission. This means you can add usable space to your home without going through the complex and time consuming planning application process that traditional extensions require.
For garden rooms that meet certain criteria including location, size and height, the build process can be much less bureaucratic. If you meet the Permitted Development criteria you can enjoy your new space much sooner than you would with a traditional extension.
But always check your property deeds for any covenants that may affect development rights. However many garden room structures fall within the Permitted Development guidelines so they are a more attractive option for those who want to add space to their home with minimal delay.
A garden room extension is a valuable addition to any home for extra space. Although in many cases garden room extensions don’t need planning permission due to Permitted Development (PD) rights, you need to check your project meets certain conditions. So consultation with your local planning authority is essential before you start building to ensure you comply with the rules.
Building under PD rights can add living space quicker than traditional home extensions which involve more complex and time consuming planning applications. By meeting the criteria for permitted development you can bypass the long process of full planning permission. This means the build can happen faster and in areas where planning policies are more restrictive, as long as the design and build meets the standards.
Garden room extensions offer a flexible way to add functional space to your home for home offices to leisure rooms. But you need to navigate the planning framework carefully to check your project is eligible for the PD route and avoid any mistakes.
While the PD rights are lenient, there are situations when planning permission for a garden room extension is mandatory. If your garden room is designed to have a kitchen and a bathroom it will be considered more than incidental use and planning permission will be required. If your local authority considers the space is not ancillary use (supplementary to the main dwelling) you will need to apply for permission.
Another consideration is if your garden room could be used as separate accommodation or rented out. In these cases the chances of complications in the permission process increase as authorities have stricter rules for these types of developments. Also if you exceed the height and area limits for outbuildings like 2.5 meters within 2 meters of the property boundary or more than half the land around the original house you will need to apply for planning permission.
In summary while several garden room extensions can be done without full planning permission, design guidelines are non-negotiable.
Permitted Development Rights provide a framework for homeowners to add living space without full planning applications as long as the additions meet certain guidelines. For garden room extensions this means the structure must be within 50% of the total garden area and meet the height restrictions. The structure must also be 2 meters from the property boundary to meet the 2.5 meters height cap.
Key points are these outbuildings cannot be in front of the main elevation of the house and cannot have verandas, balconies or elevated platforms more than 0.3 meters. The eaves height for outbuildings is 2.5 meters if over 2 meters from the boundary and 4 meters for a dual pitched roof or 3 meters for any other design.
Homeowners should check their house deeds and local legislation to see if there are any specific restrictions or covenants that will invalidate the PD rights. Knowledge and compliance with these conditions is crucial for a smooth garden room extension.
A versatile and functional garden room extension will often require various utilities and services. While it may seem overwhelming, installing these amenities will add to the usability and value of your extra space.
When it comes to electricity for your garden room it’s important to plan carefully. This is not just about having enough power points but also about the functionality and ambiance of the space. Pre-wired switches, sockets and lighting with dimmer options give flexibility for different activities and moods. For garden offices or entertainment spaces think about the types of electronics you will use and make sure you have the necessary power supplies in convenient locations.
Heating is another to consider. From electric radiators to wood-burning stoves, heating options need thought. Some heating installations will need building regulations approval if they involve structural changes or complex wiring.
Also make sure your garden room has reliable internet access. For Wi-Fi check the signal strength from your main house. If it’s not strong enough, options like Ethernet cables laid under ground or wireless point-to-point systems may be needed to get a stable connection.
Lighting serves two purposes, function and aesthetics. As well as basic lighting, consider external security lights or ambient garden lighting that matches your garden room design. Thoughtful lighting choices can change the ambiance of the room and extend its use into the evening.
Plumbing in a garden room extension can add so much functionality and make it a self-contained space for many uses. If you’re adding a shower or WC – perfect for a gym or office space – you need to consider the practicalities of water supply and drainage. Connecting to the house’s main plumbing system usually requires a natural slope to ensure proper drainage – a key consideration in the planning process.
Also if you plan to entertain, the benefits of a kitchen in a garden room become clear. But plumbing for a kitchen requires more complex arrangements for supply and waste water and may need serious digging to fit in.
Before you start any plumbing work it’s essential to check with the local authorities. Some areas have specific regulations or require building regulations approval for permanent changes. It’s also a good idea to get a professional plumber involved early on who can advise on the best and most compliant way to install.
In summary installing utilities and services in a garden room extension requires thought, consultation with the authorities and often professional input. By getting these elements right your garden room can be the perfect space for work, play or relaxation and add to your daily life with indoor comfort and outdoor charm.
When considering a garden room extension the materials you choose are critical for both the look and the structure of the new space. Whether it’s an extra living space, a garden office or a versatile entertaining area, getting the right materials is key.
Garden rooms can be framed in uPVC which is durable and clean looking. Double glazed windows within these frames will add to the thermal efficiency and sound insulation and a solid roof will protect from the elements and be more in line with traditional house extensions look and feel. This is in contrast to conservatories which have transparent roofing made of glass or polycarbonate.
If you want a more solid structure a brick built garden room is possible but this will require more groundwork so more expensive. Timber or composite garden rooms are a more affordable option with less base requirements – a concrete base is usually a 100mm MOT sub base topped with 100mm of concrete.
Finally the choice of materials will impact not only the cost but also the environmental fit of your garden room extension. High end finishes like granite or stone worktops will add to the cost but can also make your outdoor space feel like a luxury environment.
Timber garden rooms especially those with oak frames are not only looking good but also very durable, typically lasting 20-30 years with minimal maintenance required. The natural insulation of timber makes it a practical choice for garden rooms as it will keep the interior climate stable with less need for heating or cooling.
Also timber framed garden rooms are lighter than brick built ones and therefore require less invasive foundations. This means shorter build times and less disruption to your garden and daily life. Timber is lighter so unlike some traditional extensions a timber garden room can be built without planning permission, a more straightforward option for expansion.
Choosing the right insulation for your garden room extension is key to being able to use the space all year round. Proper insulation will keep the temperature consistent, reduce energy consumption and therefore lower your bills.
Good quality garden rooms are insulated to the same standard as a main house which means upgrading the insulation materials and heating system. This goes hand in hand with double or triple glazed windows which will reduce heat loss in the winter and prevent overheating in the summer so your garden room can be used for anything.
Compliance with building regulations is also key to insulation. This will not only ensure the thermal efficiency of the garden room but also its year round use whether it’s a standalone structure or an extension of your main house.
When deciding on a garden room extension the choice of framework is key. Timber and metal are the common options.
Timber garden rooms especially those with oak frames will last around 20-30 years and require minimal maintenance. The natural light and warmth of timber creates versatile spaces and enhances the outdoor space. Because timber is lighter than brick or metal it requires less foundations so it’s a more straightforward and cost effective build with less ground disruption.
Here are the benefits of timber frames for garden room extensions:
Metal frames have strength and weather resistance but lack the natural look of timber and requires more work to install.
Choose between timber and metal based on your desired look, need for extra space and personal preference for garden room materials.
Garden room extensions are a popular way to add extra living space to your home. To be able to use these spaces all year round proper insulation is key. Good insulation will provide a warm environment in summer and winter and reduce your bills by reducing heat loss.
When choosing insulation for your garden room you should consider energy efficiency. These materials will help maintain a consistent temperature and reduce energy consumption. Also double or triple glazing is essential to the insulation of the room. This will retain the warmth in winter and keep the room cool in summer by reducing solar gain.
Don’t forget building regulations. Compliance will ensure the insulation is installed correctly and meets the standards for year round use. Meeting these regulations is a part of the build process and will help the garden room last longer.
Remember an insulated garden room extension will give you a versatile and comfortable space and will benefit the whole household’s energy efficiency and bills.
When it comes to garden room extensions the base is key to the stability and longevity of the structure. Depending on the material, look and planning requirements construction bases for garden rooms are versatile and will cater for your needs.
Brick or block garden rooms require deep foundations, often dictated by planning regulations. These materials will give you a robust build that will last. Timber construction appeals to those who want a natural look and potentially low maintenance option especially with materials like cedar or modern composite woods that don’t rot and don’t need constant maintenance.
Prefabricated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) is a more modern approach that will speed up the build. These panels are energy efficient and can get a garden room up in a few days.
It’s worth noting that the move from conservatories to garden rooms has introduced the use of solid roofs rather than glass. Now let’s look at the foundation options for your garden room.
A concrete slab is a popular choice for garden room extensions. The installation process involves laying a 100mm MOT sub base and then 100mm of concrete on top. Concrete is more expensive and less eco friendly but is unmatched in durability and water resistance. It’s a favourite for many homeowners. Concrete slabs will give you a permanent and solid base for heavy garden rooms and require less replacement than other bases so it’s a long term investment.
But the environmental impact and cost is a drawback. Also if the concrete base is not built correctly it can cause issues with the stability and life of the garden extension. Garden room suppliers will specify the correct dimensions for the concrete base and often recommend professional tradespeople to build it to ensure the garden room has the right support.
For a less intensive build wooden decking can be an alternative to the traditional concrete slab. Wooden decking foundations involve less groundwork and can be quicker to install. This will be cheaper in the short term and will give you a practical base for a lightweight garden room structure.
But wooden decking doesn’t have the same durability as concrete and will need maintenance to prevent decay. Over time this will mean replacing the decking adding to the overall cost of the garden room. Water and pest damage is also a consideration for a timber base.
Homeowners should speak to their garden room supplier to find out the right size and type of wooden decking for their garden room. The supplier will advise on the installation and how to keep the garden room sound for its lifetime.
Garden rooms give you extra living space without a traditional house extension. But like any big home improvement garden rooms have their own costs and these can vary greatly depending on many factors. The cost of building a garden room extension is typically £1,500 to £1,800 per square metre. The size of the contractor and the quality of the build will affect the final cost.
For a small build by a one man contractor the prices start at around £1,500 per square metre. For a standard build by a medium sized contractor the prices are around £1,650 per square metre. For a premium build by a large established contractor the prices can be up to £1,800 per square metre.
When calculating the costs for a typical garden room extension size is key. For example a 20m2 structure built with breeze blocks would be in the £30,000 to £34,000 bracket before VAT is added. Please note these are guide prices and the final cost will depend on the specifics of the project including the materials and finishes chosen.
Let’s break down the costs for garden room extensions. Starting with a basic build by a one man contractor the costs start at £1,500 per square metre (ex VAT). A premium build by a larger contractor will be £1,800 per square metre.
For an average sized outbuilding which is around 20m2 the cost for a breeze block build will be £30,000 to £34,000. But a pre-fabricated timber version will be significantly cheaper, £6,000 to £8,000. If you are on a tight budget Green Retreats offers the Basebox garden room for under £12,000 installed with basic features for year round use.
A fully installed 8ft x 8ft garden room from Green Retreats is £11,732 and includes insulation and low maintenance materials. However you will need to budget for extra costs that are not included such as installation of electricity, laying the foundations and luxury features which can add to the overall cost.
Several factors will affect the price of a garden room and the overall investment. The size of the garden room is the foundation of the cost as larger rooms use more materials and more labour. The complexity of the design and structural elements will also increase the price, elaborate details and fancy features require skilled labour and extra build time.
The type of contractor is another factor. Large high end construction companies will be more expensive due to their expertise and reputation, smaller teams may be cheaper but can sometimes bring problems such as delays or substandard workmanship.
The materials chosen for the project will also impact the cost. Choosing premium finishes like granite worktops or custom made fixtures over basic materials will increase the project cost. But beyond the visible elements the underlying costs such as installing electrical systems and preparing the foundations will add to the overall cost and should not be forgotten when planning a garden room extension.
A garden room extension can be a cost effective investment for homeowners. Property experts have found that this addition can add 5% to 15% to the value of the property. Broken down by square metre in the UK market this can be £1,456 to £5,106. A great value add to any property.
The benefits of a garden room are financial. They can add one and a half times their installation cost to your property’s value. This return on investment covers the installation and materials costs and still leaves a profit margin. High end garden rooms are not just about adding space they add to the overall appeal of the property so making it more desirable to potential buyers.
Plus the versatility of a garden room adds to its value. A garden room can cater for the need for extra living space and can be easily converted into different uses, from a home office to a entertaining space without the hassle of a traditional home extension. The practicality and flexibility of garden rooms will add to the usability and lifestyle appeal of the property.
A garden room extension is a value add to your property, some say up to 15% of the property value. In an era where high end additional spaces are more sought after than ever post pandemic the charm of garden rooms has grown and they are more desirable and give you an edge in the market.
By offering a private and unique space that adds to the living experience garden rooms revitalise a property. They give you a competitive advantage over traditional house extensions as they are generally cheaper and less disruptive. So garden rooms are the popular choice for homeowners who want to add value to their property cost effectively.
A well designed garden room adds a family area or a working space to a property making it more appealing to potential buyers. Increasing the appeal of a home and meeting the demand for extra multi functional space is a key factor when selling.
Garden rooms are not just a benefit to the homeowner’s personal use of the property but can also generate rental income. With clever design such as self contained amenities a garden room can be a separate living space – perfect for extended family or as a rental property.
The versatility of garden rooms means they can be used for different types of rentals, long term or short term holiday rentals. Features that add to their appeal like open plan living and bi-fold doors make them attractive rental properties and add to the overall value of the property.
Plus the bespoke nature of a garden room means it can be designed to meet the needs of the rental market and appeal to different types of tenants. This flexibility in design and use makes garden rooms a smart investment, giving homeowners the dual benefit of using the space themselves or as an additional income.
Garden room extensions are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners looking for flexible and practical solutions to add to their living space. They are a great alternative to traditional house extensions or loft conversions, a cheaper and more flexible option. One of the key benefits of garden rooms is they can bring in natural light and have panoramic views of the garden making them perfect for creative pursuits like art studios or craft rooms.
Plus garden rooms can bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living so you can enjoy your garden all year round. The design of these structures is cleverly designed to serve multiple purposes – guest quarters to quiet reading nooks – and blend in with the surrounding environment. With clever planning and design a garden room can be the perfect space for anything.
A garden room extension is a flexible and peaceful solution for those looking to set up a home office. The demand for such spaces is driven by the rise of hybrid working where professionals split their time between working from home and the office.
Having a garden office can help with work/life balance. The physical separation means you can leave work stresses behind at the end of the day and create a clear boundary between work and personal life. For many this is key to mental wellbeing.
These are not just functional; they also bring natural light and views of outdoor spaces to create a productive environment. Typically these garden room extensions have heating, insulation and lighting to make them comfortable all year round like a conventional home office.
Home offices can be built as a standalone building in the garden or converted from an existing outbuilding like a detached garage. Both options offer the chance for bespoke design so you can design the space to your work needs and aesthetic desires.
Here’s a quick summary for a garden room extension as a home office:
So many design options, a garden office can be the perfect space to add to your daily life, extra, functional and fun space.
Garden room extensions are becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking to add to their living spaces for leisure and recreation. These flexible buildings can be used for modern garden offices to work from home to entertainment hubs to hold intimate parties or large family gatherings.
The beauty of a bespoke garden room is that it can be designed to your needs. Whether it’s a snug for yoga and meditation, a games room or a peaceful garden bar these spaces can add to your daily life by giving you an extra dedicated space for hobbies and downtime.
One of the best things about high end garden rooms is the abundance of natural light through large glazing, making it a warm and inviting space to relax. The flexibility of opening windows and doors allows you to merge indoor comfort with outdoor tranquility, perfect for those who want to bring nature into their daily life.
Garden room extensions with their design ideas and year round use make the perfect space for so many leisure activities, all in the comfort of your own home.
With the right planning permission and building regulations these standalone buildings can be added to your home and add to your daily life.
A seamless connection between the garden room extension and the main house is key to the design to make it functional and visually pleasing. To ensure safe and easy access all year round, a thought out pathway is needed, especially to prevent accidents in wet or slippery conditions.
Visually the pathway and view to the garden room should be pleasing. Artwork on adjacent walls and illuminated features through large glazing can really make the connection to the garden room from the main house. In front of the garden room, raised beds with planting can soften the structure and make it blend in with the surrounding garden, a peaceful retreat.
For a cohesive look match the design of the garden room to your existing house. Matching architectural details and materials can make the two spaces feel like one. A consistent choice of flooring or tiling that runs from inside the garden room to the outside space can also merge the indoor and outdoor living and make the extension feel like one.
Designing the access pathways to a garden room extension requires thought. For a cohesive look choose floorings such as stone, tiles or wood that match the interior of the garden room and the outside courtyard or garden. This will visually link the two spaces.
Surround the courtyard with planting or a low level wall and you’ll have a beautiful natural boundary that also helps with the spatial design. Good lighting is practical for evening use but also creates a sociable space in the warmer months.
When designing the pathway aim for a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces on the property. Position the garden room in relation to the main house to make the most of the garden space and have a nice and functional route to and from the extension.
For electrical connections it’s essential to get a qualified professional to do the work to ensure safety and compliance with building regulations. The cost of this will vary depending on the size of the garden room, its proximity to the main house and the complexity of the work.
Usually when installing a garden room the cost of running electrical services from the house to the extension is quoted separately during a free on-site design consultation. This cost will be dependent on the electrician’s qualifications and experience.
Before relying on the main house’s Wi-Fi connection, it’s worth checking the signal strength in the garden room. If the signal is weak you may need to install a separate Wi-Fi access point. This can be done via an Ethernet connection or a point-to-point wireless system. A dedicated Wi-Fi point will require an engineer to set it up and will add at least £200 to your installation costs.
Choosing the right builder is key to a successful home extension. At Danesfort we deliver quality on time and on budget. We have extensive experience working on home extensions in the London area.
Danesfort ensures all projects comply with planning permissions and building regulations. We offer clear contracts that outline scope, timelines and payment terms so you’re fully informed from start to finish.
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