Echoing everything we love about the British countryside, what could be more beautiful than having your own four walls planted amongst lush greenery?
Forget wooden summerhouses or “fancy sheds”, says Tony Higginson, CEO and co-founder of Vivid Green.
These are garden spaces built to the same or often higher standards than an extension, he stresses. “With bifold doors, a bathroom or kitchen and a room that opens directly onto the garden, allowing for outdoor dining and entertaining, whatever the weather.”
If you're enthralled by the idea and thinking about installing one, Higginson reveals the key things you'll need to consider…
Planning
The type of planning you will need will depend on what you plan to use your garden room for…
“If it is simply a garden room, additional lounge or dining room, games room or office, it should be included in the scope of permitted development, also known as incidental development,” explains Higginson.
“To do this, it must be less than 2.5 m high (total height from the nearest adjacent land), no more than 50% of the external space and cannot be used as an additional bedroom.”
In some cases, if the space is going to be used as a home gym or office, for example, you can still have a bathroom, Higginson notes.
“If you dream of being able to get out of bed and walk into your garden, you will need planning permission, which will fall under the scope of ancillary development.”
He continues: “Simply put, it's about building anything where you can use the space as you would your primary residence, meaning sleeping, eating and using the bathroom.”
Your garden room supplier will be able to advise you on any planning required and how to do it, says Higginson.
“On average, ancillary planning will cost £1,200, but this can vary depending on whether you do it yourself, use a professional and also where in the country you are located; This may be included in your garden budget, so it's worth checking. ,” he adds.
Shoes
There are various installation methods available for garden rooms…
Wherever possible, Higginson opts for foundations with ground screws. “This allows you to work with virtually any surface and surface level (within reason), is environmentally friendly, and keeps you away from dirty concrete.”
It offers an excellent, sturdy foundation and can be installed in a matter of hours without compromising construction quality or longevity, Higginson notes.
“In some cases, a concrete slab or deck base may need to be examined. “This typically occurs when ground conditions are not optimal for ground screws, or the use of the building requires a large point load, for example for rooms that will be used as a weightlifting gym.”
Costs
A standard 4m by 3m garden room will cost around £20,000…
The key when analyzing your budget is determining what is most important to you, Higginson says.
“Is it about having as much space as possible? Or is it compromising slightly on size to allow you to have folding doors and an attached pergola to house your hot tub?
“For a 4m by 3m garden room with folding doors fully fitted and installed, it will cost around £25,000.”
Something to think about when making requests or design changes is not just the cost of the individual element, he points out.
“Therefore, adding folding doors may increase more than just the price of the folding doors, for example, as the structure will likely require a steel support above the doors to relieve the weight of the roof, as the opening is now larger. big,” Higginson points out.
Build
From beautiful high-end finishes such as internal plastering, aluminum or wood joinery and real wood flooring, to more economical options…
“Build size is where you can test your budget,” says Higginson.
“Most roofs are built flat, although it is also possible to pitch them, but at considerable additional cost.
“It is also worth noting that a flat roof will often work better within a garden, creating a clear site line and working with fences and property boundaries, rather than against them.
Moment
From your initial consultation to full installation, it can take between six and eight weeks if the delivery time is short…
“Actual construction time will be between seven and 14 business days. This means you can easily set up a garden lounge in time to enjoy the warm summer evenings,” suggests Higginson.
Design
“From elegant folding doors that bring the outside in, to built-in covered pergolas for a hot tub or swim spa, the design element is where you can let your hair down and have fun,” he enthuses.
“From polished concrete floors to built-in movie projectors and a garden bar. The world, when it comes to design, is your oysters.”
One thing to consider is the longevity of your constitution, says Higginson. “Yes, right now you might want to use the space as a home gym with rubber flooring installed for added bounce.
“But will you want to convert the space into a children's playroom in a few years?”
He says you have to think long term and choose suitable floors that adapt to many uses. “Hardwood, tile or polished concrete are great examples that will look elegant but will stand the test of time.”
Applications
Garden rooms are offered on many levels…
“From being more affordable than a standard extension or garage conversion, to the huge advantage of being installed in a matter of weeks, rather than months.
“Its longevity is on par with, and often outlasts, more traditional construction methods,” Higginson suggests.
He continues: “If you work with a recommended installer who can offer you a turnkey solution, you will be sitting in your garden enjoying summer, autumn and winter for many years to come.”
