Cottage retreat HOW SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY GARDEN BUILDING?

We want to keep our loved ones close now more than ever. And what better way to ensure you always have enough space than a garden retreat (planning permission will be needed if it’s used for sleeping). Make it a place for extended stays by adding a small kitchen and bathroom. It could even be rented out. £33,600, TINY HOUSE CABINS switches, the building must be watertight and ideally insulated for safety. If adding sinks, showers or washing machines, a plumber must install a fresh-water pipe running from your house to the garden building and a waste pipe running out.

WHEN IS PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED?

Garden rooms do not require planning permission if they fall within permitted development guidelines. To classify as an ‘outbuilding’ under permitted development rules, the building must not contain sleeping accommodation and must be a single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m.

HOW BIG CAN I BUILD MY GARDEN ROOM WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION?

As mentioned above, the maximum eaves height would be limited to 2.5m. The max overall height depends on the roof shape – 4m for a dual pitch and 3m for any other type. But, if the building is within 2m of a boundary, the overall height is restricted to 2.5m.

If you or any previous owners have extended the house since 1948, these additions will eat up your permitted development allowance. Overall, you are not allowed to build on more than half the land associated with the house without full planning permission.

ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS REGARDING PARTICULAR TYPES OF PROPERTIES?

● Flats, maisonettes and other buildings of this type do not have permitted development rights, so you won’t be able to build a garden room without getting full planning permission.

● Be aware that if your property has undergone a change of use, or has been converted into a house in the past, it may not enjoy permitted development rights.

● If your house or any buildings contained within the boundary of your property are listed, your garden room will require full planning permission.

● If your house is in a conservation area, you will not be able to build a garden room to the side of the main house without obtaining planning permission.

CAN I SLEEP IN THE ROOM?

If you plan to sleep in your garden room, even if just occasionally, you will need to apply for building regulations.

Wipe down the exterior with warm, soapy water once a year. Painted buildings will need a fresh coat of paint every few years to keep the wood in top condition. Cedar clad structures need little to no maintenance, as the wood is naturally resistant to rot and fungal growth; however, it will change colour from rich red to silver grey over time. Keep the area around the base of the building clear of long grass and leaves, too.