Want more space without the mess and months of disruption?
Home extensions are expensive. They’re disruptive. And they’re a serious project that can take months to complete. Thankfully, there’s a better way that homeownersacross the UK are getting excited about…
Insulated garden rooms.
These off-the-shelf buildings give you year-round usable space, without the need for planning headaches or astronomical costs, affirms trusted rental support in the Portland area, InterWest Properties. And best of all? They’re super-quick to have installed.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- Why garden rooms are better than home extensions
- The real benefits of choosing an insulated garden room
- How to pick the best garden room for your space
- All about planning permission
Let’s get started!
Why Garden Rooms Are Better Than Home Extensions
OK, let’s get real for a second…
Home extensions in the UK cost anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000 per square metre to build. That means a 20 square metre extension could cost you a minimum of £30,000. That’s before architect fees, planning permission and several months of disruption.
Insulated garden rooms offer a more affordable way to get more space. When you choose insulated garden rooms with installation, you’re getting a complete ready-to-use building without the mess and stress of traditional construction work.
Here’s the killer stat.
Recent research from the Land Registry suggests a high-quality garden room can increase a property’s value by as much as 15%. The typical garden room costs less than £20,000 to have installed.
How’s that for getting bang for your buck?
And it doesn’t end there. Unlike an extension that can drag on for months, most garden rooms are installed in days. No builders traipsing through your house. No dust in every room. No having to live on a building site.
Real Benefits of Insulated Garden Rooms
Hang on a second though…
Not all garden rooms are the same. There’s a massive difference between a basic summer house and a fully insulated garden room.
A properly insulated garden room is usable 365 days a year. Rain or shine. Summer or winter. The insulation means it’s nice and warm when the weather is cold and cool when it’s hot.
You’re not just buying a structure though. You’re buying an extension to your property. That means you need something that’s practical and will work hard for you all year round.
A quality insulated garden room gives you:
- Comfort all year round with no huge heating bills
- Soundproofing to work or relax in peace
- Moisture control that prevents damp and condensation
- Energy efficiency to keep running costs down
The market for garden rooms is booming. It was worth a cool £266 million in 2024 and is set to continue growing at nearly 6% a year through to 2030.
What’s driving demand?
The boom in remote and hybrid working transformed the way we use our homes. When you work from home, you need somewhere quiet and away from the distractions of the main house to concentrate.
That’s where a garden room comes in. It’s become a big hit with the home workforce as the ultimate in dedicated home office space.
How to Choose the Right Garden Room
Before you shop around, there’s one thing you need to consider.
What do you actually want to use the space for?
This will shape a lot of the other decisions you make.
Some of the most popular purposes include:
- Home offices for remote working
- Garden gyms and yoga studios
- Art studios and creative spaces
- Guest accommodation
- Entertainment rooms
Size is important too. A small 6 square metre room is perfect as a home office. But if you want a home gym or guest room, you’ll be looking at something 12-20 square metres and up.
Think about the features you’ll need. Electricity is a must for most purposes. You may want built-in lighting and heating as well as plenty of plug sockets. Some garden rooms come with air conditioning or underfloor heating as options.
Windows and doors are another key choice. Large glazed doors let lots of natural light flood in and make the most of your garden. But if you want privacy and less glare on computer screens, you’ll want good blinds or curtains.
Here’s a quick checklist of other things to look for:
- Quality construction materials that will last
- Professional installation included in the price
- Warranty coverage to give you peace of mind
- Customisation options to fit your property
Don’t be tempted to cut corners here. A cheap garden room that falls apart after five years is no bargain. Look for suppliers with good reputations and lots of customer reviews.
Planning Permission: The Lowdown
A huge advantage of garden rooms is that most don’t require planning permission.
Under Permitted Development rights you can build an outbuilding in your garden without needing formal permission. But there are rules you need to follow…
The building must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres. If you have a flat roof, the overall height can’t be more than 2.5 metres. If you have a pitched roof, the max height is 4 metres.
Your garden room can’t cover more than 50% of your garden. It must be positioned on the side or rear of your property. And it can’t be used as self-contained living accommodation without proper planning consent.
If your property is listed or in a conservation area, different rules apply. If you’re unsure, check with your local planning authority.
Good news is that reputable garden room suppliers know these regulations inside out. They design your room to comply with Permitted Development from the outset.
Making Your Garden Room Work Harder
When you buy a garden room, you’re not just getting some extra space. You’re getting an asset that can seriously transform how you live and work.
Estate agents are starting to cotton on to this. A survey of property professionals in the UK found that 84% think garden rooms improve marketability. And 72% said they add at least £15,000 to a property value.
In other words, your garden room could pay for itself when you sell. But until then, you get to enjoy all the benefits of extra space.
Whether you need somewhere quiet to work from home, a dedicated home gym, or simply somewhere to escape the house… A garden room is a great solution.
Wrapping It Up
Extra usable space doesn’t have to be an expensive, messy, months-long project. Garden rooms are a quicker, more affordable way to add space that you can use all year round.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Garden rooms are much cheaper than home extensions
- Proper insulation means you can use them in all seasons
- Most installations don’t require planning permission
- Garden rooms can add up to 15% to your property value
The demand for garden rooms shows no sign of slowing down. And with good reason. They’re a practical solution for homeowners who need more space without the disruption of extending their home.
Space is running out in our houses. A garden room could be the answer.
