Garden Rooms Vs Extensions: Which is Better and Why?

by Shane Brown
May 8, 2023

Toying with the idea of either a garden room or an extension?

Well, both are great options for adding extra space to your home. They offer their own unique benefits but garden rooms might be the better choice for you.

In this post, we will explore the difference between the two and why we recommend getting a garden room instead of an extension.

Difference Between a Garden Room and a Home Extension

First, let’s start by defining what we mean by a garden room and an extension. A garden room is a standalone structure that is built in your garden and is usually used as a separate additional space either for relaxing or working. An extension, on the other hand, is an addition to your existing home that can be used to extend your living space, often in the form of an extra room or larger kitchen.

Garden rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look to make better use of their outdoor space. They are versatile and can be used for a range of purposes, including as a home office, plyroom, gym, or even a guest bedroom. They are often designed to be eco-friendly, with insulation and double glazing, making them a comfortable and energy-efficient space to spend time in.

Extensions, on the other hand, are a more traditional way of adding extra space to your home. They are usually built onto the back or side of your property and can be used to create larger living areas or to add extra bedrooms or bathrooms. Extensions can add significant value to your home, but they can also be expensive and time-consuming to build.

Garden Rooms vs Extensions

Here are reasons why garden rooms are a better choice:

Cost-effective

One of the biggest advantages of garden rooms over extensions is the cost. Garden rooms are typically much cheaper than extensions as they require less building work and fewer materials.

Moreover, as they don’t involve any structural changes to your existing home, they don’t come with the high costs associated with building an extension. This means that if you’re on a tight budget, a garden room is a much more cost-effective option.

Versatile

Another advantage of garden rooms is their versatility. They can be used for a range of purposes, from a home office or gym to a guest room or playroom. You can even use your garden room as a private retreat where you can relax, read a book, or enjoy a hobby.

In addition, they offer a secluded and peaceful space to unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of your main living areas.

All-year round use

Garden rooms are often designed with insulation and double glazing to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. As a result, they are a comfortable and energy-efficient space to spend time in all year round.

Quick and easy to build

Compared to extensions, garden rooms are much quicker and easier to build. Most garden rooms can be constructed in a matter of weeks from start to finish, whereas extensions can take months to complete depending on the size and design. This means that you can enjoy your new space much sooner and with less disruption to your daily life.

No planning permission required

Finally, garden rooms are often exempt from planning permission, which means that you can build one without having to go through the lengthy and often costly planning process. In most cases, garden rooms can be built under permitted development rights, as long as they meet certain size and location criteria.

This makes garden rooms a straightforward and hassle-free solution for homeowners seeking to expand their living space without the hassle of obtaining planning permission.

We hope you now understand why we recommend garden rooms. Compared to extensions. they offer a wider range of advantages. They are cost-effective, versatile, eco-friendly, quick and easy to build, and often don’t require planning permission. If you’re looking for an affordable and hassle-free way to add extra space to your home, a garden room is most certainly the perfect solution for you.