More Space Needed - Extend House or Independent Garden Room?

Hello,

As the title suggests, I need more space, which will initially be used as an office and perhaps one day, it'll evolve into a man cave.

Moving house isn't a consideration, so the options are:

1. build an extension
2. install a stand alone "garden room"

From what I can see, building an extension to our house will cost more, take more time to complete, but probably add value to our home.

Garden rooms seem to be available made from timber, steel and concrete. Costs vary, with all claiming to be water tight, well insulated to retain heat, quickly assembled etc. I struggle to seeing them adding value to a property, if I later wanted to sell it, but perhaps I'm wrong.

What are peoples opinions, and experiences, with both options, please?

Extensions often don't add value either.

If attic conversion isn't available to you, I'd go for a garden room; but treat it like a depreciating asset.

Have both extension is part of the house. Might differentiate us in a sale v another in the estate. Garden room is temporary but works well for the years we will need it (office by day, teen hangout rest of the time). I would assume potential buyers would remove it as it takes up a lot of garden space. But suits us. It feels like a room in a house in terms of quality. Works well being separate how we use it.

Planning permission might be a consideration - you can build an extension of up to 40 sq m without needing permission (assuming no existing extensions), standalone buildings can't be more than 25 sq m (total will include any existing sheds).

Is it only about space or are there other considerations? For office, some people prefer a separate room. It allows privacy, a feel of going to office and a signal to rest of family that it's working time. Extension on the other hand can have multiple purpose simultaneously.

Thankfully, there's no major issue with other people respecting boundaries - any room with a door, works.

@DannyBoyD coverting the attic isn't an option, unfortunitely.

gipimann said:

Planning permission might be a consideration - you can build an extension of up to 40 sq m without needing permission (assuming no existing extensions), standalone buildings can't be more than 25 sq m (total will include any existing sheds).

Click to expand...

Yes, good point about the possibility of needing planning permission, with extra lead in time and cost to consider.

We have the potential to build at the side of the house (subject to pp), or the rear (without pp, up to 40 sq mtrs).

Opting for the rear does mean sacrificing valuable garden space (for recreation), be it for an extension or garden room, while the space to the side of the house isn't currently serving a purpose.

How are you currently using your garden ? We found all we sacrificed was lawn which we wernt using for any purpose other than to mow.

If you have space to the side, and can afford it, I wouldn't over index on the extension adding value to the property.
It's likely someone will pay more for your house extended than a house without an extension. But it's also likely that "more" figure will not make up the cost. But so what? If it gives you a better house, living, quality etc then it's probably worth it.
Other advantage of extending is it's likely to make it easier to sell is another thing....if housing slows down, someone wants to live in your estate, yours will probably appeal above others.
FWIW, we extended, space to side of house, rather than do garden room....we're glad we did. Garden rooms feel like a compromise in most situations, would certainly have felt that way to us compared to what we have.

My preference would 100% have been attic conversion, but it would have cost a multiple of the garden room due to roof type. I do love that it's separate, more so now that my kids musical tastes are getting louder !