Five Common Garden Room Mistakes to Avoid

As with all major home improvements, adding a garden room to your property calls for careful forethought. A well-planned, beautifully presented garden room combines the practicality of a traditional extension with significantly lower overall costs.

Even so, the importance of getting the whole thing right first time cannot be overstated. It is technically possible to adjust a garden room at a later date, but doing so could be disruptive and expensive to say the least.

To prevent a rather painful case of buyer’s remorse, here is a brief overview of five common mistakes to avoid when adding a garden room to your home:

1. Not Checking Whether You Need Planning Permission

Most garden rooms can be installed without planning permission being obtained. But as there are occasional instances where planning permission may be required, it is essential to check with your local council before the installation process begins. Otherwise, you could be forced to tear down your garden room at your own expense and pay a heavy penalty for failing to follow the rules.

2. Not Ensuring Your Garden Room is Adequately Insulated

A garden room that looks the part can be installed for next to nothing.  However, looks are not the only indicator of a quality garden room that’s practical enough to be used all year round. An effectively-insulated garden room can be used throughout four seasons, making it a practical and comfortable addition to the home. By contrast, a garden room that lacks good insulation is no more comfortable or versatile than a basic summerhouse…or even a garden shed.

3. Not Investing in High-Quality Windows and Doors

Premium double-glazed windows and doors serve several important purposes with garden rooms. They contribute to the energy efficiency of its interior spaces, they significantly reduce external noise and they bolster the safety and security of the entire structure; all of which you will forego (and live to regret), if you settle for low-quality single-glazed windows and doors for your garden room. Again, if you intend to use your garden room throughout all four seasons, the highest-quality windows and doors are a must.

4. Not Questioning Electronics, Plumbing and Connectivity

The purpose you have in mind for your garden room determines the importance of these three factors. Most garden rooms are designed and installed with electrical outlets as standard, but ensuring they can be connected with your home’s main supply is essential. As is considering the plumbing and connectivity requirements you have for your garden room if you are looking to set up a fully functional living space or practical workspace.

5. Not Insisting On An Extensive Warranty

You would be forgiven for thinking that every garden room sold in the UK would be backed by a warranty of some kind. In reality, this simply isn’t the case at all, and assumptions can prove costly. Under no circumstances should a garden room be purchased that does not come with a minimum ten-year warranty as standard. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your supplier’s warranty policy, ensure they are raised and addressed before you order your garden room.