Garden Rooms and Offices are the home improvement upgrade everyone is after
What began as a pandemic trend has now become a full-on house upgrade craze. And the statistics don’t lie. The UK garden room market is worth around £266 million in 2024 and is only set to grow.
But what exactly is fuelling the demand for these outside structures?
We’re going to dive into that…
What You’ll Learn
- Why Garden Rooms and Offices Are Booming
- The WFH (Work From Home) Revolution
- Top 4 Benefits of Adding a Garden Room
- Features to Consider
- Investing Smartly
Why Garden Rooms and Offices Are Booming
In recent years, there has been a huge surge in demand for garden rooms and offices.
Think about it. Homeowners are looking for more space. But traditional extensions are disruptive and expensive. Enter garden rooms.
A garden room is a purpose-built structure that essentially slots into your backyard. It’s a completely separate space… Ready to use for work, hobbies, or whatever else you need it for.
The difference with garden rooms, when compared to normal house extensions, is the time it takes to build.
Typical brick-and-mortar extensions can take months. There’s a whole process with planning permission applications, architect designs, and waiting. It’s just too long for many people.
Garden rooms on the other hand, fall into ‘permitted development’. In other words, there’s no long-winded approval process or risk of objections from neighbours. A smooth and simple process that results in an instant boost to your living space. When looking for quality options, a reputable garden room installation ensures the build has all the necessary specifications to be used comfortably year-round.
And the icing on the cake?
It’s a few days for installation compared to many months for an extension. The convenience factor is massive and explains the appeal of garden rooms and offices to busy families.
The WFH (Work From Home) Revolution
The hybrid working and home-working revolution has created seismic shifts.
The Office for National Statistics tells us that 40% of UK workers are now home workers in some capacity. That’s 28% on a hybrid working model and more full-time home workers.
A very real problem has arisen from this new way of working…
Not all of these people have a separate workspace in their homes. For many, the kitchen table is a desk and the spare room is an office. It’s all a bit chaotic and productivity is poor.
Garden rooms are the answer to these WFH woes. Having a separate room, away from the distractions of home, makes such a difference. Home working parents are the group that I think particularly benefit from the garden office solution.
It means quality time at work, with no interruptions from kids or other household noise. The moment your workday is done you can close the door on it. The separation between work and home life is restored.
Top 4 Benefits of Adding a Garden Room
If you’re still not sure whether a garden room is for you? Then here are the big benefits that make them so worthwhile.
Extra living space without moving house
It’s tough to get a bigger home in the UK housing market. Stamp duty, legal fees, moving costs… The expenses all add up quickly.
A garden room gives you extra square feet in a cost-effective way.
Boost to property value
Quality garden buildings will add value to your property. Buyers will pay more for a house with an office or hobby space already built. It’s an investment that returns dividends later.
Flexibility in use
It’s not just work that garden rooms are good for. They can double as home gyms, art studios, music rooms, guest rooms, or entertainment spaces. The multi-use options are a big bonus.
Comfort for all seasons
Built to a high quality and garden rooms are comfortable spaces all year round. Proper insulation, heating, and electrics included. Not just a summer novelty.
Speed of installation
Most garden room installations are complete in days. As opposed to months of upheaval from a house extension. The convenience of a quick install is not to be underestimated.
Features to Look For
There is a big variance in quality and features between garden rooms.
Price is a good indicator but not the only one. Certain key features separate a premium build from a basic shed. Paying attention at the start means less hassle later.
Insulation
Do not scrimp on insulation. It’s critical for garden rooms to be used year-round. Look at quality levels in the walls, floors and roof. Insulation isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ with a garden room.
Electrics and heating
Of course, a garden office needs power for computers, lighting, and heating. Expect a professional garden room installation to include this as standard. Properly fitted and safe.
Natural light
Large windows, rooflights, and glass doors make all the difference. Natural light is important for well-being and productivity. It also means less need for lights during the day.
Foundations
The base of the build really matters. Quality foundations under the floor keep out moisture, stop structural problems, and extend the life of the building. Cheap builds often cut costs here.
Weather resistant materials
We are not blessed with the finest weather in the UK. Quality garden rooms are made with treated timber, weather-resistant cladding, and good drainage systems. These details matter for longevity.
Investing Smartly
All sorts of garden rooms are available at all sorts of price points.
Budget options are out there if you’re just getting started. But as a general rule, cheap is often poor insulation, basic materials, and much shorter life expectancy. The low up-front cost becomes a false economy later when you need to replace the build prematurely.
Quality garden rooms are going to start at £10,000 minimum for a small size. Bigger with premium features will be higher. Remember, you’re investing for the long-term.
Steps to take before purchasing:
- Set a sensible budget – factor in the extras like electrics, foundations, and landscaping
- Do your homework on suppliers – read reviews, ask for references, visit showrooms where possible
- Learn the planning rules – Permitted development size and location limits to be aware of
- Think about future use – a little more room is never a bad idea
- Get proper quotes – Don’t just trust the first supplier that comes along. Compare at least three.
Bottom Line
Garden rooms and offices have earned their place as the hottest home improvement trend for many reasons.
They provide quick, cost-effective extra living space. They solve a WFH dilemma that millions of people face. They add property value and improve the quality of your day-to-day life.
The boom we’re seeing in the garden room market is part of a wider sea change in how people use their homes. Working from home is a permanent change of work pattern for many. The need for dedicated flexible spaces won’t go away.
For home owners wanting more from their property without the upheaval of moving or major renovation work… A quality garden room makes total sense.
Just make sure to invest in quality first time. The difference between a premium build and a budget option becomes very apparent after one or two British winters.
