Are garden rooms a viable alternative to an extension?

When it comes to expanding your living space, nowadays homeowners often find themselves weighing the benefits of installing a garden room against building a traditional home extension. At Bridges Modular, we believe garden rooms offer a compelling alternative to extensions, providing a versatile, cost-effective, and less disruptive solution. Let's explore why garden rooms might be the perfect choice for your home!

Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of garden rooms is their cost-effectiveness. On average, garden rooms tend to be less expensive than traditional home extensions. Of course, the cost of a garden room can vary widely depending on size, materials, and additional features, but generally, you can expect to spend from between £25,000 and £35,000. This cost often includes the structure itself, insulation, electrics, and basic interior finishes. Garden rooms are usually considered a separate entity from the main house, which means they might not require the same level of foundational work or structural integration, further reducing expenses. 

By contrast, Checkatrade recently suggested that even a small and basic home extension could range from £48,000 - £67,200, and of course could conceivably run into twice that amount or more.  

Quick Installation 

In terms of installation time, garden rooms have a clear advantage. Most garden rooms can be designed, built, and installed within a few weeks to a couple of months. This quick turnaround is possible because garden rooms are often prefabricated or built using modular construction methods, which significantly reduces on-site construction time. In contrast, home extensions typically involve more complex construction work and may take several months to complete.

Minimal Disruption 

Building a home extension can be a disruptive process, often requiring significant alterations to your existing home and living arrangements. For us here in the UK, the way our house are often laid out means that an extension will likely have a direct impact on the kitchen and living area.

Garden rooms, on the other hand, cause minimal disruption to your daily life. Since they are standalone structures, the construction process is confined to your garden, allowing you to continue using your home as usual.

Additionally, the amount of people and equipment it will take to install a garden room is usually far lower and less disruptive than the size of the workforce required for a conventional extension.

Versatility 

Garden rooms offer incredible versatility in terms of space usage. Unlike traditional home extensions, which often serve one primary purpose, garden rooms can be transformed into a wide range of functional spaces. Whether you need a home office, a gym, an art studio, or guest accommodation, a garden room can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Of course, should those needs or requirements change over time a garden room is also easy to either re-purpose completely, or to turn into a multi-use space.

This flexibility makes garden rooms an attractive option for homeowners looking to maximise their property's potential. 

Seamless Integration with the Outdoors

One of the unique benefits of garden rooms is their connection with nature. Positioned in your garden, these rooms provide a peaceful and inspiring environment, perfect for relaxation or creative pursuits. The abundance of natural light and outdoor views can enhance your well-being and productivity, making garden rooms a delightful addition to any home. 

Increased Property Value 

A well planned and executed home extension will undoubtedly add value to your property. However, a garden room can significantly increase your property's market value too. By adding a functional and stylish space to your home, you not only enhance your living experience but also make your property more appealing to potential buyers. 

Regulation and Planning

Garden rooms generally fall under Permitted Development rights, requiring less stringent planning compared to home extensions, which often need formal planning permission and compliance with building regulations.

Conclusion 

While there is no doubt that home extensions offer long-term value and can be customised to match your existing home, garden rooms provide a flexible, cost-effective, and less invasive alternative. At Bridges Modular, we specialise in designing and building premium garden rooms that cater to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're seeking extra living space, a home office, or a personal retreat, a garden room can be the perfect solution.

Ready to explore the possibilities of a garden room? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you create the perfect addition to your home.