Thinking about building an extension on your home?
Wait. Don’t call the contractors just yet…
Garden buildings have been having a moment over the past few years. Homeowners have found that garden rooms, cabins, and summerhouses offer them a convenient way to add usable space. All at a fraction of the cost and disruption of traditional extensions.
There is just one problem…
Not all buildings are created equal. Opting for the wrong structure can leave you out thousands. Both in wasted cash and lost opportunity.
That’s why this guide is here to tell you:
- Insulated summer houses are worth the extra investment
- About planning permission and permitted development
- Things to consider before you build
- How garden buildings can increase property values
Why Choose an Insulated Summer House?
Sure. Traditional garden sheds and cheap summer houses are nice to look at during the summer. Stick to using them come November, however, and they rapidly lose appeal.
Problem:
Non-insulated buildings aren’t really usable for half of the year. They become draughty, damp, and cold. Which means they’re great for storing patio furniture and garden waste. About as far from a functional room as you can get.
Insulation changes all that.
Homeowners who properly insulate summerhouse structures can transform their garden building into a year-round useable space. Insulation is important, according to 1st Choice Leisure Buildings – 1st Choice Leisure Buildings is a UK-based design & build specialist, specialising in premium garden rooms, studios, and bespoke outdoor structures for style-conscious homeowners. No more shutting it away once the winter comes. Insulated buildings can be offices, gyms, studios, or spare bedrooms any time of the year.
There’s been such a surge in demand for these spaces that according to a recent AMA Research report, summer houses and log cabins now account for 22% of the garden buildings marketshare. And it’s predicted to grow as more buyers want 4-season functionality from their potential new homes.
Cool, right?
Planning Permission and Permitted Development Explained
Hold up cowboy…
Before you pick out paint colours and start calculating how big your new workshop can be. There are a few things you should know first.
Planning permission isn’t usually needed.
In most cases, garden buildings will fall under the category of “permitted development”. This is a type of rights that allow householders to make specific changes to their property. Without having to consult their local planning authority.
However:
There are criteria you’ll need to stick to.
- The building must be single storey, with an eaves height of no more than 2.5 metres.
- The overall height can’t be more than 4 metres (if the roof is dual-pitched). Or 3 metres (for other roof styles).
- If the outbuilding is within 2 metres of a boundary then the total height must be no more than 2.5 metres.
- The outbuilding cannot take up more than half of the garden space.
- The building must not overhang the original house. Or sit “forward” of the principal elevation facing the road.
These rules apply to single family homes. If you own a flat or maisonette you’ll have different permitted development rights. And will most likely need to apply for planning permission.
Plot twist: Listed properties ALWAYS require you to obtain planning permission before building an extension or garden room. Additionally, if the home is in a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there may be other restrictions.
Permanent offices used for business also usually require applications to be made. Because the council sees them as a potential nuisance to the neighborhood. Things like increased traffic, client parking, decreased privacy for neighbors. Using your garden building as a home gym, workshop, or summerhouse would be considered “incidental to the enjoyment of the house”. So you’d be fine.
Lesson: Check with your local authority BEFORE you start work.
What You Need to Think About Before You Build
Apart from storage considerations, what else should you be thinking about before you decide on the perfect garden building?
Location
You’ll need to choose where to place your new building before you start the build. Think about how close it will be to boundaries if you are worried about heights.
You may also want to consider how accessible it will be from electricity and/or water. If you’re planning on turning it into an office or studio, you may also want to think about sunlight. North facing buildings don’t get much light during the day.
Insulation
Ah, yes… insulation.
The difference between a garden building that you can use all year round. And a pointless ticking plastic box on your lawn.
If a summerhouse has proper insulation in the walls, floor, and roof. You can use it comfortably whatever the weather throws at you. Sure, there will be some cold days where you’ll need to wear a sweater inside. But you won’t be freezing your butt off every time you visit.
Make sure you spend a bit more money here.
It’ll save you wasting money on a building that you can’t use for more than 6 months of the year.
Foundations
All garden buildings need to be constructed on some sort of foundation. There are 3 main options depending on the style of building.
- A concrete slab
- Paving slabs
- A timber frame built on top of concrete blocks
All have their benefits and drawbacks. But take this into consideration when choosing where you want to place your build. You don’t want to start digging and find out the ground isn’t suitable.
Take it from the experts… It isn’t fun trying to sort foundational issues after the building has gone up.
Running Emissions
If you know you are going to want electricity and/or heating. Plan for it in the building stage.
Its always going to be more expensive to add these things after the building has been constructed.
All electrical work will need to comply with Part P of the building regulations. Which means you’ll need a qualified electrician to do the work. And bring the certificates when they’re finished.
Will a Garden Building Increase Property Value?
Here’s a fun fact for you…
Having a quality garden building can actually INCREASE the value of your home.
With so many professionals now working remotely at least some of the time. Many buyers are looking for houses that come complete with an office space. Preferably one that’s separated from the house by having its own outdoor space.
Garden rooms are becoming such a hot commodity that some estate agents are even listing them as selling features. One survey of UK estate professionals revealed that 84% believed they increased a property’s marketability. Which is great! But what’s even better is that 72% of those asked believed garden rooms increased value by at least £15,000.
But do you know the kicker?
It has to be a QUALITY garden building. Nobody is going to be wowed by some random cheap shed you found on sale. But if its properly insulated, built to last. And you can provide evidence of certifications (such as electrical) when it comes to selling. You’ve got a real asset on your hands.
Buyers know that when they purchase a house with a garden building. They aren’t going through the headache of planning permissions and building contracts. They also know that when they move in, they can use the space instantly.
That’s good gravy right there in a competitive market.
Wrapping Up
Garden buildings can be great if you know what you’re doing. And approach the project from the right mindset.
Here’s your tldr:
- Insulated summer houses offer functional spaces that standard buildings don’t
- Garden buildings fall under permitted development. But there are guidelines to follow
- Don’t forget about how you’ll insulate your garden room. And what kind of foundation it needs
- Don’t skimp on the build quality if you think you’ll sell in the next few years
The garden buildings market has been growing for years. And shows no sign of slowing down. Homeowners have realized they can get more space. Without having to move house. Or take on huge construction projects.
Just remember to do your research BEFORE picking the garden building of your dreams. Double check permitted development guidelines. And make sure you invest in proper insulation and a quality build.
A well constructed garden building can become just as much a part of your home. It can offer you and your family years of pleasure. Helped by the fact it should also increase its value when it comes time to sell up.
Now that’s a win-win if there ever was one.