Assuming this is your first time, looking into a garden room buyer guide will help you make the best-informed decision. From choosing the best garden room building materials to roofing, flooring, and electrical wiring, you’ll get a useful guide that will make the purchase process easy and stress-free for you.
A garden room can be beneficial in many ways and a great way to utilize your garden space. It can serve many purposes whether as a summerhouse, home office, studio, extra room, etc.
It can also add value to your property, making it attractive to future buyers. Building a garden room is a cost-effective alternative to a home extension. It is also easy to install and if well-built, can resist harsh weather.
Are you buying a prefab (modular) garden room or building one from scratch? This guide explains the key factors to look out for before hitting the market.
Why You Need A Separate Home Office For Remote Work
Building a garden room for a home office can cost money. So you may wonder why you need that separate home office instead of having one in your home.
Without a separate home office, you can easily muddle up your home life and work. Distractions can arise and you can be tempted to multitask. If you have a family or a roommate, this can get worse as you have to cope with sharing your space.
This may affect your mental health and overall work performance.
A separate home office is a good way to enjoy working from home. You get to achieve a level of work-life balance while having your personal space to focus and work. It gives you a professional setting while improving your overall work performance. You’d also get the freedom to customize for convenience.
Garden Room Buyers Guide – The Key Factors To Consider
Whether you choose to build your garden room from scratch or order a prefab building, there are key factors to consider. Erecting a well-made garden room needs proper planning and execution. These factors below are essential to help guide you to getting a quality garden room:
#1: Garden Space—How Big Is Your Garden Or Yard?
Before buying or installing a garden room, you need to determine how much garden space you have. This is because it will affect the size of your garden room and whether you need to apply for planning permission and or building permits.
A big garden room in a small garden space can occupy usable space. So, knowing how much garden space you have will guide you on how big your garden room can be. Also, consider your lifestyle and your intended use of the garden room to know how to use your garden space.
#2: Location—Where Will Your Garden Room Be Installed?
The location where your garden room is positioned can affect how functional it will be. The position where you want your doors and windows to face is also essential to support easy entrance, exit, and ventilation.
Ensure that where you install your garden room is suitable and convenient. It is best to position your garden room to suit the purpose for which you built it.
You might want to use your garden room for leisure, so you can position it to capture a nice view. Or maybe you need it as a storage room or home office. You will need to install it close to your main home to easily move to and fro.
Related: Best Uses of Garden Rooms In California
#3: Budget—How Much Does A Garden Room Cost?
There are many garden rooms with varying prices. But it is best to set a realistic budget that captures the amount of money you are willing to spend for one.
Defining your garden room needs is important to help you know the best way to draft your budget. A budget will guide you on how to tailor these needs according to your pocket. You will know and choose a garden room with the best quality you can afford.
A high-quality garden room will surely cost you money. But if well-built and well-maintained, it can be a good investment that brings you high returns soon.
#4: Garden Room Foundation—What Type of Foundation Do You Need?
Like every building, a garden room needs a good foundation for stability, strength, and resisting harsh weather. If you want your garden room to last for years, you might need to pay attention to the quality of its foundation.
While some people opt for paving slabs for the foundation, others go for a concrete base. Paving slabs are a less expensive option, but may not be as sturdy and uniform as a concrete base. It is advisable to hire experienced garden room installation experts to build the foundation.
#5: Purpose—What Do You Need A Garden Room For?
Before getting a garden room, you have to determine what you need to for. This will guide you to know what type of garden room to buy or build. You’d also determine its design and how much to spend setting it up.
A garden room can serve many purposes. These include a home office, summerhouse, storage room, game room, guest house, etc.
Ensure to specifically define your needs to your contractor or garden room company before building a garden room.
#6: Garden Room Size—How Big Should It Be?
The size of your garden room can be affected by the size of your garden space. What you plan to use your garden room for, can also determine your desired size.
A big garden room gives you more space to use for more than one function. But you may need planning permission and a building permit to erect it.
#7: Garden Room Design—How Will You Customize It?
Buying a prefab garden room may not allow you to customize it to your taste. But many garden room companies offer bespoke services, allowing you to meet your design needs. A garden room with a nice interior and exterior design are visually appealing and elegant.
It is essential to determine your design style. It can guide you on the type of garden room to select. You’d also know how much it will cost you to get your preference.
#8: Building Legalities—Have You Checked with Your Local Authorities?
Checking with your local authorities is a crucial step to take before buying/ building a garden room. Depending on where you are located, you may need to get the necessary legal approval before getting started.
Planning permission ensures that building processes don’t disturb your neighbors and the environment. It makes sure that your building and design process aligns with certain requirements. Factors like size, height, and purpose can determine whether you need to apply for planning permission for your garden room.
While building regulations ensure that construction doesn’t affect the health and safety of people in and around the garden room. You may need to get a building permit if you plan to use your garden room as a residence.
#9: Additional Features—Do You Need to Add Extras?
Extra features improve your garden room’s functionality, making it more convenient. The features you add to your garden room depend on what you need to use them for.
You might need to include electricity or plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen. You may even need a porch to relax and enjoy a nice view. Keep in mind that extras can cost more money, and may need planning permission to include them in your garden room.
Related: Best Garden Office Design Ideas For Remote Workers
Garden Room Buyers Guide: The Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy Custom-Shaped Garden Rooms?
Sure! You don’t need to stick to the regular square- or rectangular-shaped rooms. You can buy any shape that suits your taste. From hexagonal to any unique shape. Sometimes gardens can have unusual shapes that don’t suit a regular square-shaped room. So, you can get a custom shape to suit your needs.
If you want to take advantage of your room space, buy L-shaped rooms that can be divided into two distinct rooms.
Can My Garden Room Have Heating?
Yes, you can put heating systems in your garden room to make it comfortable. You can also buy garden rooms that are designed for year-round use with heating and insulation.
You can get a portable heating radiator or install an underfloor heating system in your room.
Can I Have A Toilet, Shower, Or Sink In My Garden Room?
Yes. A toilet and kitchen can be good additions to your garden room. It is essential to hire a professional to install plumbing requirements.
Keep in mind that it may cost money, so you may need to include it in your budget.
Do Garden Rooms Need Foundations?
Your garden room should be installed on a high-quality foundation. This helps it to be durable, strong, and resistant. You can use paving slabs, concrete, galvanized steel pile, or any other good material for the foundation.
Make sure to get a foundation that is well-distributed and resistant to moisture damage. Also, get a professional to properly install your foundation.
Related: The Benefits of Building A Garden Office In Your Home
Conclusion
A garden room is one of the best ways to properly utilize your garden or yard. It comes with many benefits including giving you a personal space to use for any purpose of your choice. It is cost-effective and adds value to your property.
Before buying a garden room, you need to consider several factors. They include garden space, foundation, budget, garden room purpose, and building legalities. You also need to be sure of the garden room size and design that suits your taste.
