As huge numbers of us continue to work from home – either full-time or as a hybrid working arrangement, the need for a personal and comfortable workspace has become increasingly important.
For many homeworkers, adding a garden room or garden office to your property can provide a versatile and functional space that can be used for work, relaxation or a variety of other purposes.
Not only can a garden room add extra space to your home, but it can also increase the property’s value and enhance your connection to nature.
Here, the Property Road team explores the benefits of adding a garden room or garden office to your property and we offer tips on how to create a beautiful and functional space that meets your individual needs. Now, let’s find the answer to the question “do garden rooms add value to a property?”.
What is a garden room?
A garden room is a versatile and often multi-purpose structure that can be located in the garden of a property.
Unlike a garden office, a garden room is not limited to being a workspace and can be used for:
- A home gym;
- Art studio;
- Music room;
- A cosy spot to relax and unwind in.
Garden rooms can be constructed from materials such as wood or brick and are often designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.
They can also be fully insulated and equipped with heating, lighting and electricity, making them suitable for year-round use.
Garden rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years as people are looking for additional space to use in their homes or to add value to their properties.
Why you should consider a garden room
There are several reasons why people may choose to install a garden room:
- Extra Space: A garden room can provide valuable extra space without the need for a full home extension.
- Increased Property Value: Adding a garden room can increase property value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. We spell out just how much later.
- Versatility: The room can be adapted to suit your needs and can be used for a multitude of purposes, making it a versatile addition to any property.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to a full home extension, a garden room can be a more cost-effective way to add extra space to your home – AND boost value!
- Connection to Nature: A garden room can provide a connection to nature and the outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of your garden while staying comfortable and protected from the elements.
Overall, a garden room can be an excellent way to add extra space, value and versatility to your property, while also providing a peaceful and comfortable retreat in beautiful natural surroundings.
Do garden offices add value to a property?
One of the things that the pandemic lockdown did was to encourage people to work from home.
And that saw lots of us creating offices in spare rooms, trying to find a place to work in the living room – and if you have the space, adding a garden office.
What is a garden office?
Like a garden room, a garden office is a small stand-alone building located in the garden of a home for use as a workspace or office.
They are typically constructed from wood and/or brick and are designed to provide a functional and comfortable workspace separate from the main dwelling.
There’s no doubt that garden offices have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have shifted to working from home and are looking for a quiet and private space to work.
If you’re considering adding a garden office or room to your property, you may be wondering how it will affect the value of your home – it’s a good idea to work this out first before investing.
Will adding a garden room or office increase my home’s value?
Not only was the demand for a garden office huge during lockdown, but that demand has also increased.
So much so, that the investment in creating a garden office is likely to be a canny one because research has shown that adding a garden room to your property can increase your home’s value by at least 5%.
Some surveys say a home could increase by between 7.5% and 10%. The insurance firm Hiscox says the price increase could be 8.5%.
The increase in your property’s value comes from:
- Having extra space;
- Attract buyers who want to work from home;
- Attracting buyers who have a hybrid-working lifestyle so will spend some time in the office and some work time at home.
Indeed, some research reveals that adding a garden office is the best way to boost your home’s value.
That means that for a home worth £300,000, you should expect a price boost of between £15,000 and £30,000.
That’s a good return on a potential £10,000 outlay.
But while that looks like a great return on paper, the actual price boost will depend on:
- The quality of the structure;
- How well it complements the existing property:
- It will need to be properly insulated.
Don’t forget too that by simply having a garden office, you will boost your home’s desirability to a potential buyer.
What do I need to consider for a garden office or room?
When considering the installation of a garden office, it’s important to consider:
- Relevant regulations that may be required – check with your local council;
- Ensure the structure is built to a high standard;
- You will need reputable builders with a track record in constructing garden rooms.
In addition, before adding a garden office you should consider:
- Your individual needs and preferences – both now and in the future;
- Understand the potential impact on your property’s value;
- Take the time to research and plan;
- Make sure that yours is an attractive and functional space.
Be aware too that creating such an office means you won’t have to convert a loft or add an extension which are much bigger projects and much more expensive.
How much will a garden room or office cost?
A well-designed garden room using quality materials can cost up to £10,000 to build – though you can pay a lot more!
You could consider a pre-built garden room to save costs so the builders will turn up with everything they need to construct a room having been premade.
Also, be aware of hidden costs so always check that delivery costs and connecting to an electricity supply are included.
Factors affecting a garden room installation
Everything sounds great when it comes to adding a garden room or office but there are some factors to consider, including:
- Size: The value of your garden room/office will depend on its size. Bigger offices add more floor space so are worth more.
- Garden: You will lose a part of your garden – if you have a young family, this might have more of an impact than you might believe.
- Permission: You might need planning permission – though many councils will see them as outbuildings and won’t require it. You should always check what the planning rules are with your local authority, however.
- Family: Potential family buyers in the future may be put off if you have used too much of the garden for your room/office.
- Materials: Investing in quality materials will pay dividends as there will be a higher standard of finish to attract buyers.
What are the downsides to installing a garden office or room?
While there are many benefits to installing a garden office or room, there are some potential downsides that should be considered:
- Cost: The cost of a garden office or room can vary depending on the size, materials and design. It can be expensive to construct and may require ongoing maintenance costs.
- Space: While a garden office or room can provide extra space, it may not be suitable for those with limited garden space. This may make it more difficult to plan and construct the structure.
- Weather: In extreme weather conditions, a garden office or room may not be as comfortable to work in as an insulated indoor space. It may require extra heating, ventilation or cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Resale value: While a garden office or room can add value to your property, it may not appeal to all potential buyers, especially if it is not well-designed or maintained.
By considering these potential downsides when planning your garden office or room, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for you.
Do garden rooms add value to a property?
Adding a garden room or office to your property can be an excellent way to increase its value, especially if it is well-designed and built to a high standard.
While it may require a significant investment upfront, a garden room can provide valuable extra space and versatility that can enhance your home’s appeal and functionality.
When planning your garden room, it is crucial to consider factors such as regulations, quality and durability of the structure, budget, functionality and maintenance requirements.
By keeping these in mind and working with reputable contractors or professionals, you can create a beautiful and functional garden room that adds value to your property for many years to come.
