Garden Rooms Vs Extensions
Are you at a crossroads in deciding between a garden room or a home extension? Both offer extra space but are apples and oranges in many ways.
What is a garden room? Garden rooms are cost-effective, quick to install, and affordable. Plus, you don’t usually need planning permission for a garden room.
Extensions can increase your property value and create grander living spaces. However, they do require planning permission.
Let’s delve into the benefits and downsides of each to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of a garden room
Imagine having a versatile, personalised space without the hassle and cost of extending your home. With garden rooms, you don’t have to deal with lengthy construction periods or substantial alterations to your existing structure.
They’re much cheaper, can be built in 7-10 days, and offer many design options, making them a fantastic choice for expanding your living space.
They are more versatile than an extension.
You’ll find that garden rooms are more versatile than extensions, able to serve as home offices, gyms, TV rooms, and even salons. When considering garden rooms vs extensions, think about your needs and how you plan to use the space.
The benefit of a house extension is increased square footage within your main dwelling. But garden rooms come out on top when it comes to flexibility and versatility.
Garden rooms are perfect for creating private spaces separate from the main house. They’re often quicker to install than a traditional extension too. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a bustling workspace, deciding between a garden room vs extension really depends on what best fits your lifestyle.
Remember – garden rooms are versatile additions that can enhance any home environment!
You don’t have to do work on your house
When choosing this type of addition, there’s no need to worry about altering anything within your home.
Unlike extensions which take weeks to build, garden rooms can be built quickly, typically within a week. Is a garden room better than an extension?
Well, apart from being less intrusive during construction, they’re usually more affordable, too, since extensions are more expensive than garden rooms. Plus, their versatility makes them suitable for various purposes and styles.
They are much cheaper than extending a house
Adding a garden building rather than extending your home is significantly less expensive. One of the benefits of a garden room is its cost-effectiveness. Typically, they are much cheaper than extending a house, with an average cost of around £20,000 compared to the triple price tag of house extensions.
But don’t let the lower price fool you into thinking that garden rooms are inferior in quality or utility. Many pros of a garden room include year-round use thanks to insulation and the adaptability for various house extension uses such as an office space, playroom or even guest accommodation.
A garden room can be built in 7-10 days
Building a green retreat in your garden can be accomplished in just a week to ten days, making them an attractive option for quick and efficient home improvement. This is why garden rooms are good – they provide a rapid solution to your space needs.
Another bonus is that you can customise a garden room according to your unique style or purpose needs; it’s all about creating an environment that suits you best.
You have more design options
You’ve got a plethora of design options when it comes to creating your garden sanctuary. The beauty of garden rooms is the freedom they offer in personalisation.
With endless cladding varieties, you can choose styles, materials, and finishes that reflect your personality.
Of course, an extension is practical for providing additional space, but remember that garden rooms are versatile too. They can be anything you want them to be – a home office, a gym, or even a cosy reading nook!
Are you less likely to use a garden room in cold weather? No! The heating options for a garden room are similar to a house, and they can ensure comfort all year round.
Increased privacy
There’s a greater level of privacy offered by these garden retreats, allowing for undisturbed activities and noise reduction.
Imagine having your cinema room without worrying about waking your sleeping child or letting older kids enjoy their computer games without disturbing you. With a garden room, this becomes possible.
These standalone spaces separate you from the main house, creating a retreat-like environment where you can be as loud as you want without concern of upsetting others at home. The insulation in these buildings even helps muffle sound to enhance your privacy further.
While they’re not entirely soundproof, garden rooms certainly provide an elevated level of noise control compared to traditional home extensions.
You can work away from your family.
It’s possible to maintain a professional atmosphere while working from home by creating a separate, dedicated workspace away from the family hustle and bustle. A garden office can provide that ideal, tranquil space for undisturbed work.
They’re not just another room in your house – they’re an oasis of quietude tucked away in your garden. You’ll have the freedom to customise it according to your needs without worrying about causing any inconvenience or disturbance to your family members. Whether you need a formal office desk setup or a creative studio-like environment, you’ve got it covered with this flexible space.
Moreover, being physically detached from the main house also allows you to detach, enabling better focus and mental productivity.
You do not need planning permission
Don’t fret about the red tape; you won’t need planning permission for buildings up to 30 square meters in most areas. This is a huge advantage when choosing a garden room over an extension. The lack of bureaucracy means fewer headaches before and during construction, saving time and stress. You can start your project faster, with less paperwork bogging you down.
Garden rooms offer versatility without infringing on regulations. They’re great if you want to avoid the hassle of submitting plans and awaiting approval. Remember, this doesn’t mean total freedom – there are still building standards to adhere to. But knowing that you can enhance your living space without leaping through bureaucratic hoops is comforting.
Negatives of a garden room
While garden rooms offer unique advantages, they also come with some downsides that you should consider.
Being detached from the main house means you can’t leave young kids unsupervised.
Plus, let’s face it, on those rainy days, shuffling down the garden to get to your secluded space may not be as appealing as you’d thought.
They are detached from the house
Being detached from the main house, garden rooms offer a level of seclusion that could be a disadvantage if you plan to use them as a family dining area. You’ll miss out on those spontaneous interactions with your family members that often happen in the heart of the home – the kitchen. Also, carrying meals back and forth between the garden room and your main house can take time and effort.
Moreover, if you’re entertaining guests for dinner, having an isolated space might make it difficult for you to manage things smoothly. So while garden rooms are great for certain activities where privacy is paramount or distraction is undesired, they are only ideal for some things. They simply don’t provide the same communal feel as extensions connected directly to your home.
You can’t leave young children alone in them
Due to safety concerns, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable leaving young children alone in these detached spaces. While garden rooms offer a private retreat and additional living space, they’re separate from the main house. This separation might be ideal for teenagers seeking privacy or adults needing a quiet workspace, but it’s less suitable for younger kids.
Supervision becomes difficult when you’re inside, and they’re out in the garden room. Extensions, however, provide extra space while keeping everyone under one roof. You can monitor your little ones easily without worrying about their safety.
You might not feel like walking down the garden in the rain
A stroll down the garden in inclement weather might not be your cup of tea. You might envision yourself in your garden room, but the walk there could put you off when it’s pouring rain outside or frosty cold.
Even though these rooms are insulated like a house, they’re often built some distance from the main property. Yes, your garden room can be a private haven and may offer more space for activities. But if it’s located 100 meters away from your house and there’s bad weather, chances are you won’t fancy making that trek too often.
Benefits of a house extension
Considering a house extension? This move not only gives you a larger property but also guarantees its usability during bad weather, unlike the occasional restrictions that come with garden rooms.
Plus, it’s an opportunity to expand your kitchen space for those gourmet cooking sessions you’ve been dreaming about.
Your property will be larger
By adding a garden room or extension, your property will effectively become larger and offer more diverse usage possibilities. You will have the luxury of extra storage space for clothes, accessories, and other items.
The additional room can be transformed into anything you desire – a study area, gym, computer room, library, or music room. Your capacity to entertain guests will increase as you will have more rooms to accommodate them comfortably.
You will be more likely to use it in bad weather
You’ll find yourself more inclined to utilise your home extension during inclement weather, as it provides a cosy and comfortable space away from the harsh elements. With a traditional garden room, you may feel cut off from your home when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
However, with an extension, there’s no need to brave the elements to enjoy additional living space. You can walk through a door and stay in your extended area without getting wet or cold.
Moreover, an extension seamlessly integrates into your property, so it feels like part of your original house. Unlike standalone garden rooms or annexes that separate you from main house facilities during bad weather, extensions bring convenience right at your fingertips regardless of outside conditions.
You can make your kitchen larger
Extending your home offers the opportunity to enlarge your kitchen, creating more space for cooking and dining. You’ll have the chance to better utilise your current space by incorporating features such as an island or breakfast bar. It not only increases functionality but also enhances convenience when you’re whipping up meals or entertaining guests. With a larger kitchen, you can comfortably accommodate multiple cooks without bumping elbows.
Moreover, an extension improves the flow between rooms in your house, making it feel more spacious and open. This additional room could be a selling point if you ever decide to sell your property.
Negatives of a house extension
While house extensions may seem appealing for extra space, it’s essential to consider the downsides.
Firstly, they’re typically more costly than garden buildings and involve significant alterations to your existing property that could disrupt your daily life.
Furthermore, they offer less privacy and are prone to more distractions when you’re working from home – not to mention the inconvenience of having to relocate your patio.
They are more expensive than garden rooms
It’s important to note that house extensions are typically more expensive than garden rooms, with costs ranging from £50,000 to £70,000. This expense is significantly higher than the average cost of a garden room. However, don’t let this deter you from considering an extension if it suits your needs better.
Remember that although less costly upfront, garden rooms may provide a different level of functionality or integration with your existing home than an extension would. It’s all about what works best for you and your budget.
You will need to do work to your existing property
You’ll need to consider the alterations required to your existing property when planning a house extension. The process involves more than just adding new space; it necessitates modifications to what’s already there. You may have to take down walls, remove doors and flooring, or even adjust the layout of your home. This can be disruptive and messy, requiring you to vacate parts of your home during construction.
Moreover, blending the new with the old is an art – you’ll want your extension to flow seamlessly with the rest of your property, which means matching walls and floors. On top of that, any structural changes will likely involve getting planning permission.
They are not as private
Despite the many benefits, house extensions may not offer you as much privacy as you’d like. Often, they’re just an extension of your existing home and don’t provide a separate space for quiet activities or confidential conversations.
On the other hand, garden rooms can be your saving grace. They offer separation from the main house, allowing you to conduct phone calls or meetings without disturbing family members. Think about it – a dedicated space in your garden where noise levels are controlled by insulation and distance!
It’s a retreat-like environment that lets you enjoy activities without any interruptions. So if privacy matters to you, consider opting for a garden room instead of extending your existing property.
You will have more distractions when working
Working from home can be tricky when distractions constantly surround you, can’t it? Your family, roommates, friends, pets, or neighbours might interrupt your workflow. And it’s easy to get sidetracked by the TV, household chores, or frequent trips to the fridge. Not to mention how hard it is to stay focused when your phone buzzes with texts and social media notifications.
Now imagine having a dedicated workspace away from all these distractions – a garden room; unlike extensions that are still part of the main house and subject to the same interruptions, a garden building offers a separate space for work. Plus, it’s insulated enough to muffle sound, so you won’t be disturbed by outside noise, either. It’s like having your personal retreat right in your garden.
You will have to move your patio
When planning for an extension, consider that your patio might need to be relocated, which can add to extra costs. Imagine the hassle of tearing down your beloved BBQ area to make room for construction. You’ll not only have to rebuild it elsewhere but also endure additional expenses and time.
On the contrary, a garden room could be a more flexible option. It can be easily placed in any part of your garden without disrupting existing structures or outdoor spaces. Plus, you won’t have the headache of dealing with increased building costs or logistical challenges associated with moving your patio.
More likely to require planning permission
You’re more likely to need planning permission for an extension than other housing add-ons. If you’re thinking about extending the side of your house or over multiple floors, be prepared to get building regulations approval. This process can be lengthy and a bit tricky, especially if you’ve already used up your permitted development rights through previous extensions.
In contrast, garden rooms often only require planning permission if they’re intended for full-time living or very, very large. They offer additional space without the red tape, making them a popular alternative. Plus, they come with benefits like quick installation times and versatility in design options.
Our Verdict: Is a Garden Room Better Than an Extension?
In conclusion, it’s clear that garden rooms hold a significant edge over extensions in terms of cost-effectiveness, versatility, and privacy. They’re half the cost of an extension and offer you a private retreat without requiring planning permission.
You can quickly create additional space for your home with a garden room. It’s not just about price; these rooms are versatile too. Whether you need extra living space or a recreational area, they cater to different needs perfectly. Plus, construction is usually completed within a week!
And don’t forget the privacy aspect – they separate you from the main house and provide noise control. So when considering adding space to your home, remember this: A garden room isn’t just an option; it’s the smarter choice.