A garden room, also sometimes referred to as a sunroom or conservatory, is an additional room to a property that is largely made up of doors and windows that let in plenty of natural light. It usually has no heating, but will use other design elements that ensure the unit stays warm and light during the cooler months.
A home extension, on the other hand, is a larger and more permanent structure built onto an existing property. This usually requires planning permission, renovations to the existing structure, and usually requires substantial amounts of work to build.
It also requires auxiliary systems to be put in for air conditioning, heating and ventilation. Extensions will also provide a space that is much larger than a garden room, so can often be tailored to be used as a new bedroom, living room, home office or even a large games room.
Does a garden room add value UK?
Yes, a garden room can add value to your home in the UK. Not only can it increase the appeal your home has to potential buyers in the future, it also can give you more living space conveniently closer to your home.
Garden rooms are becoming an increasingly popular feature for properties in the UK, due to their ability to provide additional living space that is both attractive and practical. This type of extension to a property can increase the usable space within the home, which means it can command a higher price when it comes time to sell.
Furthermore, garden rooms provide additional space that can be used for a multitude of purposes. Common uses include a home office, playroom, study room, home gym, summerhouse, or simply an extra room for guests.
These types of rooms are great for creating multifunctional spaces, which can further add to the value of your property.
When planning to build a garden room, there are several factors to bear in mind. Building regulations will need to be followed to ensure it is safe, secure and in line with current standards. In addition, the type of materials used in the construction can have a direct effect on the value of the property.
Softwood or hardwood frames are among the most popular materials used, due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Overall, a garden room can add value to your home in the UK by providing extra space for a variety of uses that can be attractive and practical to prospective buyers. With the right materials and in compliance with current standards, a garden room can be a great way to add value to your home and make it more appealing.
How big can I build a garden room without planning permission UK?
In the UK, you generally don’t need planning permission to build a garden room, as long as the room meets certain requirements. Generally, you can build a garden room up to 2.5 metres high, which is around 8 feet.
This includes any roof or roof coverage, such as a flat roof. Furthermore, the volume of your garden room must not exceed 4 cubic metres. You should also make sure that the building is no closer than 2 metres from any boundary.
Additionally, it should not cover more than half of the total garden area. Furthermore, the building should be used as an ancillary structure rather than a main residence. Finally, you should ensure that all required Building Regulations are met.
Overall, as long as you ensure that the requirements and regulations are met, it is generally possible to build a large and comfortable garden room without needing to seek planning permission.
Can I put a toilet in a conservatory?
Yes, it is possible to put a toilet in a conservatory. However, there are several important factors to consider before doing so. Firstly, you will need to make sure that the installation is safe and appropriate for a conservatory.
It should adhere to Building Regulations and be treated like any other wet room in terms of safety and ventilation. Secondly, you need to make sure that the conservatory is structurally sound, as the weight of the toilet and plumbing works may put strain on the building.
You should consult an engineer or surveyor to check if your conservatory is suitable for these works. Finally, you will need to hire a professional plumber to install the toilet, as this is likely to involve connecting it up to the existing plumbing in your home.
It’s important that all of these steps are taken, and any relevant permissions obtained, before you start to install a toilet in a conservatory.
Can I build a conservatory with a tiled roof?
Yes, you can build a conservatory with a tiled roof. Tiled roofs are estimated to last up to 40 years, providing you with a more durable and cost-effective roofing solution. Compared to alternative roofing materials such as plastic or glass, tiles are more likely to withstand harsh weather conditions and are better at controlling temperature.
Additionally, tiles are often a more aesthetically pleasing option, allowing you to customize your conservatory to your own style. While building a conservatory with a tiled roof may require more energy and cost, it could be worth it from a longevity and design standpoint.
Do you need planning permission to put a toilet in your garage?
It depends on the specifics of the project. Generally speaking, most garages are within the realm of permitted development, which allows for certain renovations and alterations to be carried out without planning permission.
However, putting a toilet in your garage may require planning permission, depending on how you plan to use the space. If you are only making minor renovations, such as installing toilet facilities, most local planning authorities would likely not require additional permission as long as you are not converting the garage into a separate living space.
If you’re making more substantial changes, such as increasing the size of the garage or converting it into a habitable space, additional permissions may be necessary. It is advised to check with your local planning authority before starting any renovation works, as they will be able to provide tailored advice based on your plans.
What defines a garden room?
A garden room typically refers to an additional room constructed in the garden of a house, usually detached from the main house. Generally, garden rooms are more like an extension of the interior of the home with features such as adjustable lighting, openings for airflow, insulation to make sure the room stays comfortable in all weather conditions, and an electrical connection for appliances and gadgets.
In some cases, garden rooms can even be installed with full plumbing. While these sections often include specialist items like pools, saunas or jacuzzis, they can also be multi-functional and act as offices, extra guest or games rooms, or even home gyms.
Garden rooms are a great way to expand a home without having to move or undertake major building work.
What do you call a garden room in a house?
A garden room in a house is typically referred to as a sunroom or greenhouse. A sunroom is an area of the home that typically features a lot of windows and is filled with natural light. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a peaceful moment as well as adding another living space to the home.
Depending on the landscaping, a sunroom can also create a feeling of being outside without having to leave the house. A greenhouse is a similar concept but tends to be dedicated to growing plants, herbs and vegetables.
These spaces tend to have higher temperatures due to their location and the windows that primarily let in sunlight. Greenhouse tend to be ideal for those who are looking to cultivate their own flowers and plants to love and enjoy.
Why do they call it an orangery?
An orangery is a type of structure built to house and shelter plants, particularly citrus trees. The term “orangery” originates from the Italian word “arancia”, which literally translates as “orange”.
This name is likely derived from the fact that orangeries were originally used to grow and protect various types of citrus fruit, particularly oranges. As orangeries were quite fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries, word of the growing trend spread throughout Europe and took the name which is generally associated with them today.
Later, as orangeries expanded to incorporate amenities such as conservatories, furniture, and activities, the meaning also broadened to encompass an area for the cultivation of plants, as well as an outdoor social setting.
Can a garden room be attached to house?
Yes, a garden room can be attached to a house. Garden rooms are a great way to extend your living space without an expensive remodel, since they can be attached to existing buildings or built as separate structures.
When attached to a house, a garden room can give you convenient access to outdoor living space or provide a bonus room for extra living or workspace, like a home office, studio, guest room or even a new kitchen.
You could use French doors to open it up to your existing indoor space, or opt for an attached, open-air veranda to create an extension of the home. Additionally, you can use a lean-to conservatory, which uses an existing wall to support it.
Because garden rooms are relatively simple structures and are generally low-maintenance, they often require minimal building and planning permissions, making them an easier and cost-efficient way to extend your home.
Do garden rooms need foundations?
Yes, garden rooms do need to have foundations in most cases. In order to ensure that the garden room is structurally sound and can withstand the elements, it is important to lay down a proper foundation.
Depending on the size and type of garden room you are building, the foundation will usually consist of either concrete footings or a more solid concrete slab. Doing a proper foundation can be a complicated and involved process, so it is recommended that you get expert advice from a qualified tradesperson before attempting it yourself.
Furthermore, local building regulations should be consulted to determine what is required for the specific type of foundation you are laying down. Taking the time to get a proper foundation for your garden room will ensure that your structure is secure and will serve you well for years to come.
