More and more homeowners are capitalising on the many advantages of having a garden room in their home - especially in towns and cities where space is at a premium. Most of the day-to-day benefits of garden rooms are quite obvious, but in this blog we are going to be answering another crucial question - how much value could a garden room add to your home?
While it would be impossible to give a definitive answer for every individual home, what we are going to do over the course of this blog is break down exactly how garden rooms increase value to your home, what kind of return on investment you might be able to expect and why they are such a good investment. Especially when you install a bespoke, high-quality garden room like the ones supplied by us - Designer Garden Rooms. The extra space provided by a garden room can significantly enhance a property's value, potentially increasing it by 5-10% depending on the home’s overall worth.
What Exactly Is a Garden Room?
Before we get into how much value a garden room can add to your home, let’s start with the basics. A garden room is a standalone, insulated structure built in your outdoor space. The aim here is to have a space that you can use all year round, and it can be tailored to your needs. You can have a garden office, a garden bar, a garden gym - there are so many possibilities.
It’s basically an extension to your home, but without all the hassle of planning permission, architects and the time. From order to completion, we can get you a brand new garden room in around 4-6 weeks usually. Fitted with electricity, styled to match your home in a bespoke design - garden rooms are a wonderful addition to any home, especially for home working.
Compared to huge projects like home extensions and loft conversions, garden rooms provide an efficient way to increase floor space without the extensive disruption typically associated with larger construction projects.
Do Garden Rooms Add Value to Homes in Scotland?
There are a number of ways a garden room can add value to your home:
Adding a garden room can help homeowners maximise their property's value within the local market's maximum ceiling price by providing additional functional space and enhancing overall appeal.
More floor space
When a property is being valued, one of the main things that gets taken into account is the amount of floor space, which is a huge factor in determining the value of a house. This is particularly true in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, where houses are very close together and space is limited. To be able to create some extra space in your home will add to the property value. Garden rooms provide more space for families, which is essential as children grow.
Fit for a modern home
In the last decade more and more of us are working from home. Having a dedicated contemporary garden office space on your property will be incredibly appealing to potential buyers, and therefore increase the price that they would be willing to pay.
It’s easy to see the appeal, isn’t it? Having that extra room on your property, but crucially not in the main house, will help you create a physical and mental distance between your home life and your profession, helping to maintain a healthy work-life balance. That is something that is increasingly important to people, that only garden offices can offer.
The WOW factor
Ask your local estate agent and they will tell you that buyers are looking for something special when they view a property - something that makes it stand out. A garden room fits this role perfectly - not only is it a more practical space, but it is a feature that they will want to show off. These types of things are exactly what house buyers are willing to pay a bit more money for. Garden rooms add so much potential to a home by providing versatile space for various uses, such as a gym, office, or studio.
Versatility
We focused on the dedicated office space above, because this will have a really strong appeal to the many people that are remote working these days, but a real part of the appeal is that you can do so much with that outside space. A studio, a games room, a home gym, a guest room, a cinema, a man cave, or just some extra storage. Garden rooms have universal appeal, as all of us could do with a bit of extra space.
Designing a Garden Office
Designing a garden office requires careful consideration to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Start by assessing the size and layout of your garden space to determine the best location for your garden office. The materials and finishes you choose will play a significant role in the overall look and feel of the office. Opt for high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the elements and provide insulation for year-round use.
Natural light is a crucial factor in creating a comfortable and productive working environment. Large windows or skylights can flood the space with light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, consider the need for storage and shelving to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
A contemporary garden office with a sleek, modern design can be a major selling point for prospective buyers. The aesthetic appeal and functionality of a well-designed garden office can add significant value to your property, with some estimates suggesting an increase of up to 15%. This “wow factor” can make your home stand out in the market, attracting potential buyers who value a dedicated, stylish workspace.
Building a Garden Room
Building a garden room is a rewarding project that can transform your outdoor space into a versatile and valuable addition to your home. One of the first steps in the process is determining whether you need planning permission. This can depend on the size of the garden room and its location within your property. It’s essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before starting construction.
Working with a reputable builder or contractor who has experience in constructing garden rooms is crucial. They can guide you through the planning and construction process, ensuring that your garden room is built to high standards. A high-quality garden room can serve multiple purposes, such as a home office, gym, or games room, providing a comfortable and functional space for various activities.
The investment in a well-constructed garden room can add significant value to your property. Not only does it provide extra space, but it also enhances the overall appeal of your home. By choosing quality materials and a design that complements your existing property, you can create a garden room that is both practical and visually appealing.
Garden Rooms Cost vs Benefit
While it can be difficult to put an exact amount on how much a garden room will cost compared to the added value to your home, there are some general factors that you can consider to see whether building a garden room makes sense for you from a purely financial point of view. (Please remember that this does not factor in any benefit to your quality of life once your garden room is installed).
First let’s look at the cost of building a garden room. At Designer Garden Rooms, we make bespoke rooms that are designed specifically for your space, so it’s difficult to put an exact figure on it, but you can expect to invest between £15,00 and £30,000 for a brand new, fully insulated garden room. A single-story house extension, by comparison, could cost between £30,000 and £42,000, according to Checkatrade, and a loft conversion would be significantly more than that.
So how much value will a garden room add to your home? According to Halifax, you could expect a garden room to add between 5% - 15% to the value of your home. Let’s say your house is worth £200,000, and a garden room costs £20,000. A conservative increase of 10% to the value of your home would completely cover the cost of the garden room. Larger garden rooms generally offer more value due to increased floor space, and bespoke garden rooms provide more value to both the home and the individual's daily life. For example, a garden room could increase your property value by £10,000 to £30,000, depending on various factors.
The Role of Estate Agents
Estate agents play a pivotal role in the process of buying and selling properties, offering valuable insights and guidance to homeowners considering adding a garden room. A local estate agent can provide detailed information on the local market, including the types of properties in demand and the prices buyers are willing to pay. This knowledge is crucial in understanding how a garden room can impact the value of your property.
When planning a garden room, estate agents can offer advice on design and construction, helping you make informed decisions that will maximize your property’s value. They understand the factors that affect property values, including the appeal of additional outdoor spaces like garden rooms.
Choosing an experienced local estate agent is essential. They can help you navigate the complexities of the property market, ensuring you get the best possible return on your investment. By working closely with an estate agent, you can enhance the whole appeal of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing its market value.
Other benefits of having a garden room
The financial gains are great, obviously. But don’t get distracted away from the many other benefits that a garden room offers. They bring joy and comfort to your day-to-day lives, and that’s the real reason to have one of these beautiful buildings in your home. Here are some quick-fire benefits:
A dedicated space to do whatever you want
Year round use
Quick to install - a matter of weeks, rather than months)
Eco-conscious - For every garden room we build, we plant trees through our Trees for Life corporate grove in the Scottish Highlands.
Built for your garden space - bespoke designs tailored to your needs
May require planning permission - depending on size and intended use, adhering to local council regulations is important
Is It Time to Invest in a Garden Room?
A garden room can add significant value to your home. It’s a shrewd financial investment, that will appeal to estate agents and prospective buyers, and therefore mean you can raise your asking price when it comes to selling your property. A well-crafted garden room is a good investment, potentially boosting your property value by up to 15%.
However, there are many more reasons in favour of having a garden room installed, rather than just the financial benefits. So the question you should be asking is not ‘how much value will a garden office add to my home?’, it should be ‘how will a garden building make our lives better?’. The perfect garden room is the one that benefits your family the most, whether that is just increased floor space, creating a special area for specific activities or adding aesthetic appeal to your home, then that’s what you should focus on. The financial benefits will follow.
So if you’re ready to start planning your own garden room, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us today and we start work on your free, no obligation quote. We’d love to hear your garden room ideas, and share with you how we can help your garden dreams come true!