What better way to do this than with a summer house, right in your garden? And what better way to do this than with a summer house, right in your garden?
Summer houses can serve as the perfect, stylish spot to relax and entertain in. According to the 2023 Trends report, garden rooms are among the top 20 home improvements that homeowners would like to invest in. You need to consider a few factors when creating your new functional and comfortable space. How will you use your Summer House?
The very first thing to decide is how you intend to use your garden building. This will help you choose a layout, as well as add-ons and materials.
There are plenty of ways you could use your summer house. You could use it as:
A garden desk – perfect for working remotely
A cosy retreat in the garden – a place for relaxation and solitude
A playroom for children – a space with toys and games for them to enjoy
- An entertaining space – add a TV, dartboard, or bar and you have a space for friends to gather.
- A fitness room – for yoga and home workouts
- A Talk to a skilled tradesperson today. Speak to a skilled tradesperson today to get started.
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- Have you decided on a layout for your summer house?
- Many people opt for an open plan layout for their garden summer house, as one central room can create more of a sense of space.
- However, your choice of layout will be largely determined by how much available space you have, as well as what you need your space for. You could also choose to get:
An L-shaped layout (perfect for a corner of your garden)
T-shaped layout (eye-catching, and great at creating separate areas)
U-shaped layout (great if you want to build an outdoor courtyard or seating area around the house)
You will also need to decide if you want a flat roof or an apex roof, and other considerations such as single or double doors, and how many windows.
- You can really get creative and tailor the layout of your garden summer house to your garden and preferences, it just requires a little planning. You’re not sure what will work best for your garden? Find a local builder. You may have limited options if your garden is small. Still, consider:
- Privacy
- – Avoid putting your summer house where curious neighbours or passer-by’s will be able to look in and disrupt your relaxation.
- Orientation
– to make the most of the sunlight, and to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, make sure your summer house is south or west facing, with windows placed accordingly.
Accessibility
View
– does your garden look onto a particularly nice view? Your summer house should take advantage of any pretty sights
- Building regulations – there may be local regulations and planning permission rules on where (and what size) you’re allowed to build your summer house. It’s worth doing your research before getting started.
- Think you’ve found the perfect spot for your garden room? Well, what are you waiting for…Request a quote today to get started.FIND A LOCAL BUILDER
- Have you chosen materials for your summer house?The most popular materials for summer houses are:
- Wood (resembling a log cabin)Brick
- StoneConcrete
Metal
Stone and concrete, on the other hand, don’t require pressure treatment but are more difficult to install and can be expensive. You might also want to think about incorporating sustainable materials, which will help you lower your home’s carbon footprint.
Do you need planning permission to build a summer house?
- Whether or not you’ll need planning permission for your garden summerhouse will depend on the size, location and your intended use for the structure. You can also contact your local planning authority to learn more. As another option, you could also contact your local planning authority.
- Some general guidelines might help you get a sense of whether or not you’ll need planning permission:
- Summer houses under 2.5 meters tall and will a footprint of less than 15 square meters don’t usually require planning permission
- Summer houses on conservation areas or on listed building territory will usually require planning permission, regardless of the size
- Summer houses used for sleeping accommodation tend to require planning permission
Planning permission rules can be complex, and can vary depending on specific circumstances. We recommend you speak to your local planning authority, and do your research, before you start building.
How much does a summer house cost in the UK?
How much you’ll end up spending on your summer house will depend largely on the size, choice of materials, and how many customisable features you choose to add.
In general though, small (basic) summer houses built using cheaper materials tend to cost anywhere between
PS500
- and
- PS2,000
- .
A more mid-range quote could look like anything between
PS2,000
and
PS6,000, including higher quality materials and a larger size.High quality, premium summer houses have prices that go upwards of PS10,000, with features such as insulation, underfloor heating, custom design elements, top quality materials, larger sizes, and a lot more. These premium features will allow you to enjoy your summer house year round, as they create more of a living space than cheaper alternatives.
Remember that these prices are only a rough guideline. Find a local builder to get an accurate quote.Can I sleep in my summer house?You are allowed to sleep in your garden summerhouse as long as you follow the rules and regulations. This includes getting the correct planning permission and adhering to building regulations. Building regulations may be required to make sure your summer house is ready for use as a sleeping quarter. You’ll need to comply with landlord and tenant rules if you intend to rent out your summer home.Do your research as guidelines may vary. Consulting your local council or a professional architect or builder will help you ensure you’re complying with the necessary regulations.When you’re ready to get started, a local builder in your area will be ready to help you out.
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