Garden room ideas to enhance your home

Garden rooms have long been a great way for homeowners to make the most of their outdoor space.

Whether you use your garden room for work, leisure or entertaining, you can enjoy it all year long regardless of the weather. What’s more, you’ll enjoy additional living space without the hassle of moving.

In this blog, we’ve put together a list of our favourite ideas to help you decide whether a garden room’s right for you.

How much do garden rooms cost?

According to MyBuilder, the average garden room costs £5,525. However, you could find the cost of your garden room growing to over £30,000 depending on the type of garden room you choose, its size, any additional features and the quality of the materials. A pre-made modular garden room is also likely to cost less than a bespoke one designed and made from scratch.

You’ll need to consider what you want to use your garden room for, how big it needs to be and where it will be located. Work out your budget (factoring in an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses) and then reach out to at least three garden room companies or builders for a quote. Read our blog for more insights on how to start planning your home improvement project.

How to fund a garden room

There are many different ways to fund a garden room. One of the most cost-effective options is to use your savings, as you won’t need to pay interest costs this way. However, we know that not everyone has thousands of pounds ready to go and saving up can take time. If you’re wanting to get your garden room installed sooner, why not consider other options such as a home renovation loan?

Our guide on ways to fund your home improvement project could help you to weigh up your options.

Garden room inspiration

Before diving in and purchasing a garden room, think carefully about how you’ll use the space. This will help you to determine how big you need the room to be and what added features or functionality you need (such as whether you need to connect electricity to your garden room).

Home office

It’s becoming more and more popular for garden rooms to be used as home offices. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 44% of workers reported home or hybrid working. With homes becoming offices for so many, the need for space has increased. A garden room provides privacy, peace and fewer interruptions – but you’ll need to make sure any garden room you build has all the necessary amenities to make home working a breeze.

Hobby room

Enjoy your creative pursuits and hobbies without taking up valuable room in your home. Your new space can be a great place for you to focus on everything you want to accomplish whether you’re an artist, a keen crafter or a writer. Find your sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of your job and family life.

Play den

Create a space for your little ones to enjoy. A garden room can become the ultimate playroom, filled with toys and activities. It could also be the perfect location for children to get their hands dirty with paints and crafts.

Why not get your kids involved in decorating their new garden playroom too? It could be a great activity for the whole family to work on together.

Home gym

Prefer to work out in the comfort of your own home? A garden room converted into a gym or exercise room is the ideal solution. It saves money on fees and travel time while also providing the perfect place for creating a personalised training routine.

If you want to use your new room as a home gym, you may need to integrate additional features into the design. For example, consider reinforced roof or floor joists to support the weight of the gym equipment.

Business ventures

Your garden room could be transformed into a bespoke studio for art, photography or music – or even a business run from home such as counselling or dog grooming. You may need to consider permission from your mortgage lender, insurance and planning permission, though a reputable garden room company should be able to advise on the legal side of things.

You need an all-weather, insulated space with power and lighting to create a warm, welcoming environment that also ticks all the health and safety boxes. You may also need to budget for soundproofing, privacy blinds and additional security features such as a remote-controlled intruder alarm.

Garden bar or pub

Many people simply use a garden room as an extension of their outdoor space, allowing them to socialise and entertain while still enjoying the great outdoors.

Why not use your garden room as an outdoor bar or pub? Get a mini fridge packed full of your favourite drinks and bar snacks installed. Next, decide on some multi-functional outdoor furniture that’s great for both sitting out in the sun and enjoying a drink inside your snazzy new garden room.

Multi-generational living

Garden rooms could act as an annexe to your main property. This allows you to keep the family together so you can continue to care and support each other, whilst ensuring everyone’s independence. Younger parents are also opting to move in with their grown children to provide childcare for grandchildren.

Planning permission rules may apply if garden rooms are used as self-contained accommodation, though, so always get advice from the supplier before commencing building work.