British consumers are always looking for new home improvement ideas. Their motto is “out with the old, in with the new.”
There is something special about home improvement and home renovation. Both of which offer a great deal of benefits, including increased home value. Other benefits depend on the home improvement project, such as a garden room or an extension.
If you ask homeowners the most difficult step of the process, the answer will almost always be decision-making. Choosing between a garden room and an extension can be tough. The information below is guaranteed to make your decision much easier.
What is a Home Extension?
A home extension or home addition is exactly what the term describes. An extension is an add-on to an existing floor plan.
As families grow, the need for additional space becomes imperative. Initially, consumers buy homes that are believed to be large enough to support a future family. Unfortunately, it does not always turn out as planned, which is where an extension comes into play.
An extension can be an additional bedroom, study, den, office, gym, or recreational room. Instead of adding an entire room to the home, you can extend an existing room. For example, an extension can add more space to an existing master bedroom or a child’s playroom. It can also be utilised to transition a small nursery into a bedroom for a child or teenager.
What is a Garden Room?
Unlike an extension, a garden room is separate from the existing floor plan. In other words, it is an additional room detached from the house. It can be transformed into an on-site gym, studio, or office that is separate from the home.
A garden room can also be transitioned into a family room, home theater, a studio or a kitchen for special events. There is no end to the possibilities when you opt for a garden room over an extension.
Is Planning Permission Required?
Many consumers are concerned about the hassle of obtaining planning permission. Working with a qualified builder can help reduce the stress, but you may be able to skip the hurdle completely. In some situations, it is possible to build a garden room without needing to apply for planning permission.
Just remember that there are certain rules that must be followed. If the builder is able to skip the planning permission step, they’ll be able to design, survey, and build the garden room more quickly.
Average Cost of Garden Rooms and Extensions
One of the biggest considerations to make is one’s budget. Overspending is not an option for many consumers. How much should you expect to pay for a garden room or extension? Typically, it depends on the type of room or extension that you’re building. A bigger and more luxurious room is going to be costlier than a simple one.
In the UK, it is common for a simple 4m by 5m extension to cost up to £100,000. A similar garden building that is properly insulated may cost as little as £30,000. However, it is possible to build simple garden rooms for as little as £10,000.
Although the price can vary, consumers are likely going to pay much less for garden rooms than extensions. Still, either option can be well worth it. Adding a high-quality garden building can increase the value of your home by as much as 15%.
Adding Value to Your Home
Which option is going to add more value to your home? The good news is that both an extension and a garden room will greatly increase the value of your home. Estate agents and home buyers understand the value of having either. A garden room will likely stand out since it is a clear addition to the property.
An extension is part of the home so some buyers may not realise that it was added later. Regardless, both are going to make your home more valuable. It is estimated that some garden rooms can add a maximum of £60,000 to the home’s value.
Just remember that the difference will depend on the quality and size of the garden room or extension.
Construction Time
Whether you’re building a garden room or extension, you need to be prepared to for some upheaval, as the process isn’t going to be finished in a few days. Individuals wanting to get the project completed more quickly should pick a garden room since they only take a few weeks to finish.
However, extensions tend to be more time-consuming. Even if you’re planning for a simple rear extension, it may take several months to complete. On average, the construction time ranges from 3 to 4 months.
How Much will it Disrupt Your Life?
Most consumers do not enjoy having the builders in, it can be problematic to invite a group of strangers into your home for several weeks while they work on the project. Instead, it may be easier to let them work in your garden slightly away from your loved ones.
If you like the latter idea, you’ll probably want to pick a garden room. The structure is not directly attached to the home so the disruption is limited. If you decide to add an extension to your home, you will need to plan for disruption as the builders will with you for as long as the job takes.
Unfortunately, this can be a problem if you’re working from home or caring for a young baby, so you should thoroughly evaluate your options before deciding which is best for you.
If you want to keep the builders out of your home, choose a garden room. If you are able to stay with family or friends for a few weeks, an extension might be a good choice for you.
Which is right for you?
It can be difficult to decide whether you should plan for an extension or add a garden room to your property. The truth is that there is no right or wrong choice since each situation is different. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and more convenient solution, you should choose a garden room.
Since the room is built a distance from the home, the original structure isn’t impacted and the process is easier. Nevertheless, an extension is a good option for individuals who don’t want to step outside to enter their office or game room. Consider both options when deciding which solution is right for your property and for your requirements.