Question 1

Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, garden rooms do not usually require planning permission as they fall within permitted development rules. This is a 'pre-approved planning permission', as long as the garden room meets certain criteria, including that it should be no higher than 2.5m from the floor to top of roof if within 2m of a boundary, that you do not take up more than half of your garden, and that it's not to be used for living or sleeping in.

There are a few other things to consider, but Harrogate Garden Rooms can talk you through the dos and do nots during your design consultation.

Question 2

What does 'permitted development' mean?

Accepted Answer

Permitted development rights allow for the improvement or extension of homes - such as building a garden room - without needing to apply for planning permission. Given Harrogate has many conservation and heritage areas, along with listed buildings, building a garden room under permitted development is a great way of enhancing your property.

Question 3

Do garden rooms add value to a property?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer to this is 'yes, garden rooms do add value to a property'. If you're adding footprint to your home - even if this is detached from your property and in the garden - then you are adding value to your home.

In the areas where we tend to build garden rooms, if you're installing a garden office, gym, bar or yoga studio in your garden, then not only is this going to add value, but it will be a real stand-out feature if or when you come to sell your property.

And because Harrogate Garden Rooms build bespoke garden rooms, you can be assured of the structure's quality, longevity and uniqueness.

Question 4

Are upgrades available on your garden rooms?

Accepted Answer

Of course. We work with you to create the garden room of your dreams. There are certain specifications which we strongly recommend - such as installing aluminium windows and doors - and other items which come as standard as part of the build (see our specifications page), but aside from this we can look to include any features that you wish.

This might include upgrading the windows to ones which have integral blinds for added privacy, using different timber for cladding (check out our burnt accoya build in our gallery), installing composite decking, or constructing a bar,  outside kitchen or store.

It's your dream garden room. We'll help you build it.

Question 5

Is it cheaper to build or buy a pre-fab garden room?

Accepted Answer

We'll be honest here, it's going to be cheaper to buy a pre-fab garden room and do it yourself.

But, with pre-fabrication you get a fairly simple garden room box off a production line (so there's nothing unique about them) - and which in our opinion - are often not built to acceptable standards.

The benefits of using Harrogate Garden Rooms are that we can help you create something unique, built to the highest standards and using the best materials for the job - from concrete pads and insulated walls, to a rubber roof finish to prevent water ingress.

We're confident our structures will stand the test of time.

It all depends what you want from a garden room and how long you expect it to last.

Question 6

What cladding do you use on your garden rooms?

Accepted Answer

As standard we use an 18mm thermopine cladding. This timber not only looks great, but because it is produced by thermally modifying Scandinavian grown Scots Pine using only heat and steam, there is a reduction in the wood's tendency to shrink and swell.

However, you can upgrade your cladding to anything you fancy. We've clad garden rooms in Harrogate in cedar, composite, thermo ayous and even burnt accoya.

All of our wood comes from reputable traders, including the well-renowned Duffield Timber in Melmerby.

Question 7

Can I sleep in a garden room?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can sleep or live in a garden room. However, this is where the lines permitted development / planning permission lines start to blur.

If sleeping or living in a garden room is your intention, then you'll need the appropriate planning permission and building regulations sign off to ensure that it's fit for this purpose as your garden room will be classed as a self-contained unit of accommodation.

You can probably get away with it if you get locked/kicked out of the house for a night!

Question 8

Can I have electricity running to my garden room?

Accepted Answer

Of course. Our garden rooms are intended to enhance your living, and 99% of our garden rooms have electricity running to them for lighting, power and WiFi. We are also able to sink the consumer unit into the interior of your garden room - it's just one of the neat touches you won't get with a pre-fab room, or with other garden room installers.

Hooking the consumer unit up to your mains supply will be priced per project - we've seen how big some of your gardens are!

A full electric certificate will be provided on completion of the project.

Question 9

Will I be able to get WiFi in my garden room?

Accepted Answer

Yes you will. Whether you want to be able to use your garden room as an office, to stream movies, or to use smart lighting, you're going to need a Wi-Fi connection.

A WiFi connection comes as standard with all our garden rooms.

Question 10

What is actually included in my garden room build?

Accepted Answer

All of Harrogate Garden Rooms are unique, bespoke builds. However, there are certain features and building principles which we apply as standard. Check out our specifications page for more, or drop us a message if there's something in particular you require.

However, with every garden room build we include as standard:
4 double sockets, 1 light switch, internal spotlights, external downlights, external power socket, sunken consumer unit, Wi-Fi connection, 1 electric radiator

Every garden room features a canopy as standard and a deck area to match the protrusion of the canopy.

We use 18mm thermopine cladding as standard, a rubber roof finish to prevent water ingress, a concrete pad flooring system, and an LVT floor inside.

We use a local plasterer to carry out a plaster skim finish. We don't decorate...!

Question 11

Can I use my garden room as a gym?

Accepted Answer

Sure. One of the first things we try and establish is what you are intending on using your garden room for. If you want to create a space to workout, then we strengthen the base structure with bigger timbers to allow for increased weight/movement.

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