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Garden rooms have become an increasingly popular type of outbuilding among homeowners in the UK and worldwide. Generally classified as non-residential, in most cases these home additions do not require planning permission (which is why the demand for them continues to grow). Garden rooms can have many uses and are often more affordable than other home extensions (such as a typical garage or warehouse); if you choose one made from responsibly harvested timber, the construction material is much more sustainable.

Owning a garden room can improve your daily life in several ways: it can provide a sheltered space to store items, become a designated place where you can relax with friends and family, it can also and it can improve the curb appeal of your property. If you are considering investing in a garden room, you might be interested in what type of structure might be right for you. Choosing an outbuilding can be a challenge, so let’s take a look at some of the things that you’ll need to consider to make the right choice for your home.

How do you plan on using your garden room?

The first thing that you should consider is how you plan on using your garden room based on your needs and those of your family. As mentioned above, a garden room can be used in multiple ways and will not require planning permission unless you want to use it as a sleeping accommodation (or, if it exceeds a certain size or doesn’t adhere to location rules). Here are a few ideas (and some of the most popular reasons) as to why people install garden rooms:

Party Room

A garden room can become the perfect gathering place when you have friends and family over (it can also be a great space for older children to spend time with their friends while not disturbing the rest of the family)! A garden room comes into its own when you are hosting barbecues, birthdays, or other types of celebrations without infringing on the main house.

Garden Office

As more and more people have the option to work from home, garden offices have increased in popularity. A garden room is a warm environment located right next to your home that can become a perfect working space, away from all distractions. It also means that you do not have to rely on the local coffee shop or work hub when you need a change of scene.

Storage Space

A garden room can become a perfect storage space for your gardening tools and equipment, outdoor furniture, bikes, hobby accessories and any other things that do not have a place in the main house. It can be a small shed that is specifically designed to store items, or it can be a mixed-use space that can be part storage or part workspace (if you have a creative hobby like woodwork, painting or sewing). A garden room can be multifunctional and can also be used as a home gym, a games room, or a home cinema.

Assess Your Budget and Available Space

Once you have selected the main function of your outbuilding, it is time to check your available space and your budget. The larger the garden room, the more it is going to cost. However, think about a garden room as an investment - the more covered square footage your home offers, the more appealing it will be to potential buyers if you decide to sell.

It is also important to keep in mind how the size and scale of your outbuilding will look in your garden. You want your garden room and your garden to complement each other, so do not pick a huge building just because you can afford it if it will look out of place in the available space that you have.

Make Sure You Opt for a High-Quality Product

The increased popularity of garden rooms has led to the market being flooded with different types of products. Some garden rooms are more affordable while others have sharper designs, but choosing one that is great quality isn’t always an easy task. There are a few important steps that you need to take to verify that you are getting the best value for your money.

The first is assessing the source - reputable sellers have up-to-date websites and a good online presence. You should always be on the lookout for great reviews, plus blogs and social media accounts that are updated regularly and feature genuine customer photos and feedback. The second step is to ensure that the products are made of sustainable materials - a great option is slow-grown Nordic spruce harvested from sustainable forests (this material is long-lasting, sturdy, a great insulator, and fully recyclable).

In Conclusion

A garden room can be a stress-free, easy-to-install extra area of your home that will improve your outdoor space and will provide more room for everyday living, as well as add value to your property. If you are considering installing one, make sure to consider your size, space and budget and look to reputable sellers offering more sustainable home outbuilding solutions.