Ever felt like your house is just lacking on space? You’d like more room, but you don’t want to move and you can’t cope with the headache of an extension?
You’re not alone. Most parents feel that way once they have kids. A perfectly fine house suddenly becomes far too small and you can’t stop tripping over toys.
That’s where garden playrooms come in. They’re a great solution in a stagnant housing market when you can’t afford to move to a bigger space, but you do need more room to move.
Personally, I think the garden office trend of 2020 got everyone thinking about what else they could use a garden room for, and parents hit upon a great idea.
If you’re considering getting a garden playroom, below are some things to think about.
What is a garden playroom?
A garden playroom is exactly what is sounds like – a dedicated room in the garden you can stash all your children’s toys in and they can use to play too. Garden rooms can be used all year round as they are usually insulated, have a power supply and heating options too.
It’s a fantastic solution for getting toys out from under your feet, while keeping an area just for your child to play. It can also be handy if you’ve got an active little one who prefers to stay up and play when it should be bedtime. By separating where your child plays and sleeps, it should act as a cue for sleep when they’re in their bedroom with no distractions.
What are the benefits of a garden playroom?
I love garden playrooms because they create so much space, without any hassle. They’re up and running with electricity and heating in less than two weeks and they don’t create half the mess an extension would.
It’s also worth noting that having a garden room built is so much cheaper than either moving to a bigger house or having an extension.
Can you use a garden playroom all year round?
If you have your playroom built by a company who specialised in garden rooms they’ll provide you with something you can use even in the winter. Garden rooms are insulated, have uPVC windows and doors and built in electric heaters.
If you make a DIY garden playroom then I can’t promise it’ll be as useable. Repurposing a shed or garage might be a budget solution, but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use it in all weathers.
Does a garden playroom add value to your home?
The thing about a garden playroom is that it’s just a garden room – you’re choosing to use it as a playroom, but it could just as well be an office or a gym. This makes is something that will make it very attractive to potential buyer if you consider selling your home.
It is thought that a garden room could add as much as 15% to your total property value, which means as those house prices rise, yours has that little bit more value.
Do I need planning permission for a garden playroom?
Most garden rooms don’t need planning permission as long as they follow the guidelines of the local council. The company that builds your garden room should know this and tailor all its designs so they can be build without the hassle of planning permission.
It’s always best to check your local council website to make sure that the design you want is within the guidelines.
What can you use a garden playroom for?
It’s worth noting that while your kids will grow up and might not always need a playroom, the room itself will be very versatile. Once your children are out of the playing stage, you can still keep the room dedicated to them but turn it into a gaming den or an extra lounge. This will be especially well received when they’re teenagers and they want friends over.
You can keep the peace and quiet in your main house, while they watch TV and have a laugh in their outdoor lounge.
In short, having a garden room build is worth every penny in my opinion. It grows with your child, can add value to your home and it doesn’t involve a lot of upheaval or mess. Win-win!