Homeowners can get to a point where they need a bit more space – families might be expanding, extra privacy might be needed or just another spot to relax in. When drawing up the options for expansion, homeowners are usually faced with similar options, two of which are should they build a garden office or a home extension? Both can add space, value and enhance family life. Depending on priorities, there are good reasons to think carefully before making a decision.
Cost and speed of construction
If you’re trying to keep costs down then garden rooms can be a really good option when you’re on a budget. Size and specification can obviously affect costs, but many can be installed for a reasonable price, with high quality design for half the price of an extension. If you’re keen to avoid lots of upheaval then they can also be installed fairly quickly and away from the rest of your property. An extension can be quite invasive and affect the smooth-running of the rest of your property.
Lifestyle benefits
Garden rooms are a fantastic way to improve your lifestyle. Whether it’s an office space you’re after that can give much-needed focus and concentration space away from the rest of your home – a work/life boundary can be created. The fact work is happening technically away from your main home can make a big difference to wellbeing and the walk between a garden room and home, through a green space and much-needed fresh air can work wonders.
But using a garden room as a snug to read, a cinema room, exercise space or entertaining room can all boost health and wellbeing too.
Functionality and flexibility
Extensions are good because usually they’re extending the space of certain rooms inside your house, such as a kitchen or bedroom spaces. They don’t tend to be for creating multi-functional spaces, it can be set rooms in mind. However, garden rooms excel in flexibility and they can become anything, because they can be distinct from the rest of the home. Their modular design means their function can change over time and this can be done in an easy way away from everything else.
Impact on property value
Extensions are likely to increase a property’s value because they are expanding the surface area of the house. A bigger kitchen or more bedrooms can have a big impact on desirability. Garden rooms don’t always give the same financial uplift but they will add to the property’s value and act as an attractive feature for buyers.
For example, it’s a great work-from-home solution for the millions of people that have the option to work remotely, tapping into the hybrid market.
Planning and regulations
There can be all sorts of planning issues and red tape that pop up when you’re trying to extend your property. Ultimately, it can be a lot more care-free and speedy to look into installing a garden room as you can avoid lots of the hassle of extensive planning permission and regulations.
Choosing between a garden office and an extension comes down to your project’s unique requirements, but it’s worth weighing up. For a versatile space that’s easy to change over time and cost-effective and easy to set up, a garden room is a great option.
For more advice and info, get in touch with our team at Bridge Timber today.