Glass Room with sliding doors, designed as an outdoor lounge in Harrow, United Kingdom.

What is a Garden Room and Why Should You Consider One?

Introduction

A garden room could be the perfect solution for those who are looking to expand their living space without the hassle of a full home renovation. In this blog, we’ll explore what a garden room is, what it can be used for, it’s alternatives, and how it can add value to your property.

What is a Garden Room?

A garden room is a versatile outdoor structure typically installed in your backyard or garden. Our garden rooms are built from high-quality materials like aluminium and glass, offering a modern appearance while seamlessly blending with natural surroundings.

What can a Garden Room be used for?

Garden rooms offer endless possibilities for use. Their adaptability allows homeowners to maximise their outdoor area, enjoying a bright and airy retreat that enhances both functionality and appearance. Some examples include:

  • A Home Office or Studio – A quiet and comfortable workspace separate from household distractions, ideal for remote work or creative projects.
  • A Gym or Wellness Space – A dedicated area for exercise, yoga, or meditation, allowing you to maintain a healthy lifestyle from home.
  • A Playroom for Kids – A fun, safe environment for children to play and learn, reducing clutter in the main house.
  • A Guest Suite – A stylish and private space for visitors, providing extra accommodation without the need for major home renovations.
  • A Hobby or Craft room – A dedicated area for painting, sewing, woodworking, or any other passion, helping you stay organised and inspired.

The uses mentioned above are just a few examples. One of the biggest benefits of a garden room is its flexibility, allowing homeowners to tailor the space to their unique needs. Plus, with ample natural light flooding in, these spaces can be both inspiring and motivating, making them ideal for work, creativity, and relaxation.

Can you use a Garden Room as a Bedroom?

While a garden room can serve as a guest suite or relaxation space, using it as a permanent bedroom comes with some considerations. Since our garden rooms are primarily built from aluminium and glass, they may not provide the same level of insulation as a traditional indoor space.

Nonetheless, they can be customised with heating, screening, and lighting to improve comfort. If you plan to use a garden room as a bedroom, ensure it meets building regulations and includes adequate ventilation, security, and climate control for year-round suitability.

Can a Garden Room be used year-round?

Yes, a garden room can be used throughout the year, but its comfort level will depend on its design and additional features. As our garden rooms are constructed with aluminium and glass, they may not retain heat as effectively as traditional structures.

However, with the right add-ons such as heating, shading options like retractable awnings and screening, a garden room can remain functional and comfortable in all seasons. Investing in these features ensures that the space is enjoyable whether in the warmth of summer or the chill of winter.

Do Garden Rooms add value to your Property in the UK?

A garden room can increase property value because it offers additional usable space, which is appealing to buyers. Below is a breakdown of the most common reasons why garden rooms are deemed to add value:

  1. Additional Space: A garden room provides extra square footage, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.
  2. Modern Appeal: With more people working remotely and valuing adaptable spaces, a garden room meets these evolving lifestyle needs.
  3. Cost-Effective Expansion: Garden rooms offer an affordable alternative to full home extensions. They provide a high-quality additional living space without the expense and disruption of major renovations.
  4. Increased Marketability: Buyers appreciate homes with versatile spaces that can serve multiple purposes. A well-built garden room adds a unique selling point, making your home stand out in a competitive market.
  5. Enhanced Outdoor Living: A garden room seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a year-round retreat where homeowners can enjoy nature while staying sheltered and comfortable.

While the exact value added depends on factors like size, design, and location, some estimates suggest that a high-quality garden room can increase your property’s value by up to 5-10%.

What are the alternatives to Garden Rooms?

Here is how garden rooms compare to other alternatives which can allow you to create extra living space:

A chart which compares garden rooms to traditional extensions, loft conversions and conservatories

Choosing the right option depends on your budget, available space, and how you intend to use the additional living area.

Conclusion

A garden room is a stylish and practical solution for creating additional space on any property, offering a dedicated area for work, relaxation, or even occasional guest accommodation.

While they may not be fully insulated like traditional extensions, they can be customised with heating, lighting, and shading options to enhance year-round comfort. As a result, if you’re looking for a flexible way to expand your living space, a garden room could be the perfect solution.

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Grey Delux Line veranda with sun loungers and screening
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Pro Line XL veranda with glass sliding doors and full outdoor kitchen unit
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    Modern garden room with light timber wood effect finish and large grey sliding doors, designed as external bedroom for guests.

    Garden Room Extensions Explained

    Introduction

    Garden room extensions are an excellent way to expand your living space while maintaining a connection with the outdoors. These modern outdoor structures can be designed as an entertainment space, outdoor kitchen, or even a serene retreat.

    In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of garden room extensions, including costs, permissions, attachment possibilities, and whether they can serve as living spaces.

    What is a Garden Room Extension?

    A garden room extension is a versatile, semi-permanent outdoor structure designed to enhance the living space of a home. Unlike traditional conservatories, these modern extensions are constructed using durable aluminium frames, gables and glass panels, providing a contemporary look with optimal natural light.

    Contempo garden room with dark brown cladding finish and black sliding door, designed as external bedroom for guests.

    Our garden room extensions can be customised with features like retractable awnings, heating, lighting, and screening to make them suitable for year-round use. They serve various purposes, including dining areas, outdoor lounges, home offices, and entertainment hubs.

    How much does a Garden Room cost in the UK?

    The cost of a garden room extension in the UK varies depending on size, materials, and additional features. On average:

    • A basic garden room with heating and lighting ranges from £15,000 to £25,000. This design would include glass panels and a glass roof for year-round use.
    • A premium garden room with bespoke designs, smart technology integrations, and add-ons such as a retractable awning can cost £30,000 or more.

    Investing in a well-constructed garden room extension can increase property value while providing a functional, stylish outdoor space to enjoy.

    Do you need Planning Permission for a Garden Room in the UK?

    In many cases, a garden room extension falls under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is not required. However, there are certain conditions:

    • The structure should not exceed 50% of the total land area around the house. This ensures that the extension does not dominate the outdoor space, preserving garden usability.
    • It must not be higher than 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary. This prevents overshadowing or privacy issues with neighbouring properties.
    • If freestanding, the maximum height is 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof or 3 metres with a flat roof. This restriction helps maintain aesthetic harmony and prevents excessively tall structures.
    • If attached to the house, it must comply with building regulations. This is to ensure structural integrity, safety, and energy efficiency.
    • The intended use of the garden room can affect planning permission. If the space is used as a permanent living area or includes facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen, it may require additional approvals. It’s always best to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with specific regulations.

    Can a Garden Room be attached to a House?

    Yes, a garden room extension can be attached to your home, serving as a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. When attached, these structures operate like a modern sunroom or glass extension, enhancing both appearance and functionality.

    Contempo garden room with black cladding finish and grey sliding door, designed as a garden lounge.

    They can be designed to complement the existing architecture and can include sliding doors for an open-plan feel. However, if the extension affects structural integrity or insulation, building regulations may apply, hence professional guidance is recommended.

    Can you live in a Garden Room?

    While a garden room extension can be heated and equipped for comfortable year-round use, using it as a permanent residence requires planning permission and compliance with building regulations.

    To be classified as a habitable space, the structure must meet insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency standards. Nonetheless, for occasional stays, guest rooms, or home offices, a garden room extension is an excellent solution.

    Conclusion

    Garden room extensions have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to maximise their living space without committing to a full-scale home renovation. Our high-quality aluminium frames and glass panels turn these modern structures into luxurious yet functional spaces to any property.

    By understanding the costs, permissions, and potential uses, you can make an informed decision and create a stunning garden room extension that adds value and comfort to your home.

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