Joanna’s choice: GARDEN ROOM
Whether you want a quiet place to work, read or pursue a hobby, creating an outdoor room could be the cost-effective solution
Over the past few years, possibly no addition to a home has been as desirable as a garden room. Offering a place to work or relax, this space will give your house more possibilities, and is less intrusive and more affordable than an extension.
What is a garden room?
By definition, it’s a glazed extension with a tiled roof, but could also be a simple summerhouse or log cabin. These are usually supplied in prefabricated panels and, if you’re a skilled DIYER, you could put one up yourself. Designs with sliding glass doors or a deck, for example, need to be built on site by a specialist.
How can I use one?
For an office set up, the priorities are internet strength and lighting. If you are considering using it as a home gym, ask your supplier whether you might need a reinforced floor. For a games room you’ll need plenty of space to play table tennis, for example. Fancy yours as a music room? Look for a specialist company that offers sound proofing.
How do you plan for it?
Think carefully about how you’d like to use the space and what your budget is. Consider how large you want the room to be versus how much of your garden square footage you’re willing to sacrifice. Location is also important. Where does the sun rise and fall? Avoid positioning it near trees, and ensure there’s access for delivery and maintenance. Check whether you need planning permission, as this depends on the structure and your location. Visit planningportal.gov.uk.
Can I use it all year?
To maximise the potential of your garden room, look for a design that is well insulated and go for double-glazed windows to use it over the winter. An electrician can run a cable from your house to power lights and heating to ensure you get the most out of it.
Use mirrors to reflect light around a small space
MORE PEOPLE CHOOSE A GARDEN ROOM RATHER THAN A CONSERVATORY, AS THEIR SOLID ROOF MAKES THEM SUITABLE FOR YEAR-ROUND LIVING