| Need extra living space but don't want to move? | | | | run a cable from your house to the room to power |
| Building a room in the garden is a clever and | | | | lights and heating. In some cases, downlighters, |
| cost-effective solution. Creating a separate room in | | | | sockets and wiring may be pre-installed in the panel |
| the garden gives you a great getaway for work, | | | | walls. |
| hobbies, or just some piece and quiet. | | | | How to use your garden room |
| 'A garden room adds appeal to a house, making it | | | | Plan your room to ensure it's fit for purpose. |
| attractive to all types of buyer, and a real draw for | | | | Home office Companies such as Henley will kit out |
| families,' says James Redington from Foxtons. | | | | your office with fitted furniture. |
| What are my choices? | | | | Gym Equipment can be bulky, so you'll need a large |
| The simplest cabin or summer house is similar to a | | | | room. It's also an investment, so ensure your security |
| shed, with either shiplap walls and cedar roof shingles | | | | is up to scratch. |
| or a log-cabin construction. These are usually supplied | | | | Games room |
| in pre-fabricated panels and, if you're a skilled DIYer, | | | | You'll need plenty of space to play table games - |
| you could put one up yourself. More advanced ones, | | | | L247cm x W153cm for a table tennis table, for |
| with sliding glass doors or a deck, for example, will | | | | example. |
| need to be built on site by a specialist. Once the | | | | Music room |
| concrete base or piles are in, installation can take | | | | Use a company that specialises in sound-proofing. |
| from one day to two weeks. | | | | What permission do I need and how much will it |
| Limitations and security | | | | cost? |
| Avoid positioning the garden room near growing | | | | If your building is away from the house, takes up |
| trees, and ensure there's access for maintenance. | | | | less than 50% of the garden and is smaller than 15sq |
| You'll also need to think about access for delivery, | | | | m, or in some cases 30sq m, you're unlikely to need |
| though panels could be carried through the house. | | | | planning permission or Building Regulations Approval. |
| As for securing your garden room, it's best to fit | | | | However, there are exceptions - such as if you |
| locks on doors and choose toughened glass. Check | | | | intend to use the room for sleeping - so check online |
| that the locks comply with your home insurance | | | | at planningportal.gov.uk, and consult your local council's |
| requirements. It's worth considering external lights, a | | | | planning department. |
| burglar alarm and Venetian blinds to prevent anyone | | | | Prices start from £439 for a Buckingham |
| seeing in. | | | | summerhouse (H213cm x W198cm x D205cm) from |
| Can I use it all year round | | | | B&Q to around £22,600 for a bespoke |
| If you insulate well and fit double-glazed windows, | | | | design from Inside Out. |
| you'll be fine for the colder months. An electrician can | | | | |