Installing a garden room is a great way to create more space in your home, add an extra room for an office or simply create an outdoor escape without having to actually go anywhere. Available in a range of styles, sizes and price points, there has never been a better time to discover your perfect garden room than now.
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What is a Garden Room?
A garden room is an outdoor cabin, summerhouse or space that can be installed in your garden without having to be attached to any form of existing property. They offer the same benefits as something like a conservatory or an extension, but at a lower cost and without the hassle of needing planning permission.
Garden rooms have a wide variety of uses and make the perfect addition to any home, creating extra space with minimal effort. You can opt for a sleek and modern design, or choose a more traditional wooden structure if you prefer.
Adding a garden room is a great way to create more space without the hassle of moving and can also be a fantastic way to easily add extra value to your home as well. Popular uses for a garden room include -
- Offices
- Gyms
- Playrooms and gaming spaces
- Business premises, for example home spas or nail salons
A garden room can be a great addition to any family home, adding extra space for children to play in or have friends over. They also create an ideal separate office environment for those working from home.
For those who just want to make the most of their time outdoors and have their own private sanctuary, then a garden room is a great way to create this type of serene outdoor space.
What to Consider Before Buying a Wooden Garden Room
1. What You're Going to Use it For
Before buying a garden room, it is a good idea to know what you are going to use it for. That way it will make it easier to decide on the size and style that would work best for you.
2. Where You're Going to Locate It
It is also sensible to have an idea as to where exactly you want to install your garden room, as this will then affect how large or wide the room can be. Those looking to create a separate outdoor office space will have different requirements to those wanting to add a playroom for their children, for example.
3. How Big Will It Need to Be
What size will you need to satisfy your requirements?
4. Will You Need to Connect to Electric, Water etc?
You may also want to consider if you will need plumbing or electric facilities in your garden room, or if the space alone is sufficient for your needs.
Why are Garden Rooms so Popular?
Having a garden room can instantly transform your home without the need to move. This makes them a very attractive option for a wide range of demographics, especially young families, those working from home and those who have retired and simply want to make the most of their outdoor space.
There are also plenty of customisation options on offer too, making it easier than ever to personalise your garden room.
What are Garden Rooms in Northern Ireland Most Commonly Used For?
1. For Whatever Purpose That You Want
Your garden room can ultimately be used in whatever way you like, but most recently they have become a popular choice for those working from home, looking to create a separate office space.
2. Working from Home
They are also ideal for those who run a small business from home too, helping to create a business premises at a fraction of the cost of renting a professional space.
3. Extra Space for Playrooms
Garden rooms are also becoming popular with families, both as a playroom for younger children and as a hang out space for those with teens or older children.
This is because a garden room can help to create a sense of separate independence for kids, whilst parents can still keep a watchful eye on them safely from the house too.
Is it Better to Buy or Build Your Own Garden Room?
When it comes to installing your garden room, having it built by a professional is always going to be the best option.
Unless you are a professional tradesperson, it can be difficult to build both the structure of a garden room, as well as install any added extras, such as running electricity or internet connectivity from your home to the outdoor space.
A professional company specialisiing in garden rooms will be able to build your garden room without any hassle, making sure integral structural elements, such as having a stable foundation, are in place first.
Although most garden rooms do not require any planning permission, unlike conservatories or extensions, a professional company will be able to double check this for you before any building work begins, providing maximum peace of mind.
If you choose to purchase a garden room and have a builder install it for you separately, this can also create headaches further down the line, as a builder will often cite faults with the garden room parts if there are any issues.
For this reason, it is always a good idea to use a professional garden room company in order to ensure that your room is installed and completely user-friendly from the day of construction onwards.
What Are the Downsides of a Wooden Garden Room?
Having a wooden garden room is a popular option as it fits in well with the foliage, shrubbery and plants of most existing garden spaces.
However, there are some downsides of opting for a wooden garden room too.
1. They Can Be Expensive
One of the initial issues is that a wooden structure will in general be more expensive than an alternative modern style design.
This is because a wooden garden room can take longer to construct and often has more separate parts.
2. Wooden Garden Rooms Are Made From A Natural Material & Will Need to Be Maintained
It is also important to consider that, as a natural material, wood can warp and will need to be cared for more regularly than a brick or modern style garden room.
Using sealant on an annual basis can help to keep the wood healthy, along with keeping an eye out for any external signs of rot or other weather damage.
If your garden room has not been installed professionally, it may also begin to lean or move away from the foundations over time, with an unstable base making it hard to open and close doors properly.
However, if you care for your garden room properly, this should last you just as long as a more modern design, if not even longer.
What are Some of the Popular Styles & Options with Outdoor Garden Rooms?
Garden rooms are available in a wide variety of shapes and styles, making them the perfect way to add some individuality to your home.
Below are some of the most popular styles when it comes to creating your own private sanctuary at home.
Summerhouse
A summerhouse style is traditional and perfect for those looking to add a glamourous addition to their garden.
Combining luxurious design with a classic frame, these are the perfect choice for those who want to create a space to relax outside in, as well as for entertaining.
A summerhouse style is popular with those who have plenty of outdoor space to play with, but they are also great for those who are looking for a garden room to construct at the end of a long or rectangular garden, no matter the size.
Cabin
The log cabin style is also one of the more traditional options that is proving popular. These tend to be smaller in size, making it a great option for those who would like a garden room but perhaps don't have a lot of outdoor space.
Many also choose to add a BBQ deck to the outside of their cabin, helping to create the perfect way to enjoy summertime eating, no matter the weather or the season.
Office Space
As we have seen, using a garden room to install a separate office space is becoming more and more popular as people continue to embrace working from home.
These can be both traditionally wooden in style or more modern, with plenty of designs incorporating floor to ceiling windows or french doors. This helps to create the illusion of bringing the outside inside, with plenty of natural daylight to offset having to look at a screen all day! Opting for a garden room office can be a great option regardless of the size of your garden.
Extra Room
For many, moving home is simply not an option at the moment. However, that doesn't mean that you can't add an extra room to your home in the meantime.
A garden room provides an outdoor space that can be insulated with all the mod cons you need, making it the ideal multipurpose space.
What's more, a garden room can change its use over time and grow as you need it to, making it a great investment both in the present and for the future too.
Bedroom
Renting out a spare room has become really popular, with the rise of sites such as Air BnB changing the way we travel for good. If you are looking for a unique investment opportunity, then why not create a bespoke garden room bedroom?
These special outdoor spaces can make the perfect way to bring in extra cash, whilst providing your guests with a unique stay too.
How Much Do Garden Rooms Typically Cost in NI?
The cost of your garden room will depend on several factors, including the size, design and materials.
However, it is also important to remember that a garden room will be infinitely more affordable than opting for a different kind of outdoor space, such as a conservatory or extension.
Unlike these, a garden room does not generally require planning position (only in very rare cases) and the construction is quick and simple, with minimal disruption to the rest of your property.
A garden room can also add value to your property in the long run as well, so consider the cost as an investment, as well as something to currently use and enjoy.
Do I Need to Buy an Insulated Garden Room?
It is absolutely not a necessity to insulate your garden room. You can still enjoy your outdoor space without the need for any form of insulation or other amenities.
However, if you are looking to use your garden room on a daily basis throughout the year, for example as an office or playroom, it might be an idea to consider adding some insulation at some point.
A professional garden room company will be able to advise as to the best insulation options for you, as well as what other facilities and amenities might work best for your individual space.
Are There Any Unexpected Costs with Garden Rooms to Consider?
As with most building projects, there can sometimes be unexpected costs to consider. With a garden room, it is important to remember that if you do not use a professional company to construct your garden room, you may run into expensive structural repairs further down the line. Other possible unexpected costs to consider include:
Domestic Costs and Charges
Once your garden room has been constructed, you may want to add plumbing, electrics and WIFI in order to make the best use of your new space.
In general, the company you purchase your garden room from will not be able to provide these services, so keep this in mind and remember to add them onto the overall cost price of your garden room.
However, most reputable garden room companies will be able to advise on the best ways to have these facilities installed and may even have associated contractors they can recommend for you.
Installation and Delivery
If you are choosing to go 'out of the box' and put your garden room together yourself, you will most likely get stung for added delivery charges.
These can be very expensive, especially if your garden room is being delivered in multiple separate parts. It is also essential to keep in mind that installation will be a separate cost if you are buying your garden room materials separately, but then using a builder to construct it for you.
Using a professional garden room company who specialise in garden room construction and care is the best way to both assure value for money and also avoid hefty installation costs further down the line.
Windows, Doors, Ceilings
It may sound silly, but many companies selling just garden room structures do not include the windows, doors or ceilings, but only the base outline of the architectural structure.
The bare bones of your garden room will make it virtually unusable, leaving you with the problem of sourcing all these other items yourself. Not only is this extra hassle, but also a significant addition to the overall cost of your garden room.
Overall, a garden room is a great way to provide a versatile and attractive outdoor space without breaking the bank. Using a reputable and professional garden room company is the best way to find the perfect space and ensure peace of mind when it comes to construction and beyond.
CONCLUSION
For expert assistance on premium quality garden rooms in Northern Ireland and Ireland, please phone us on 028 3778 9637 M: 075 4113 9998.