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Looking to have a garden outbuilding installed? It’s understandable if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you. From those set out initially as office and home working spaces, to versatile and adaptable rooms which can be adjusted, the amount of variation is staggering. Aside from this, there are legal questions to face too – is your garden large enough to contain a building without seeking additional planning permission? Would a home office encroach on neighbouring boundaries?
We’ll answer the pressing questions and more within this informative article, so read ahead and let Fitrite provide an overview of garden offices, with specifics on the placement of your building, size, shape and more.
Complete spaces in their own right, garden offices offer an excellent solution for a diverse range of individuals. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a peaceful escape from a cluttered home office, or a business owner seeking to avoid the expenses of renting commercial space, a garden office provides a convenient and nearby workspace.
Increasingly favoured in 2024 and beyond, these garden offices are tailored to meet the specific requirements of their users. They can take various forms, ranging from compact cabins to expansive, comfortable outhouses. However, it’s essential to note that certain conditions must be met for optimal functionality, and we’ll delve deeper into these later.
The advantages of incorporating a brand new garden office room into your home are plentiful, offering not just an increase in property value but also added aesthetic charm and an extra link between your professional and personal spaces. Unsurprisingly. this cost-effective, eco-friendly, and private alternative to traditional extensions has gained popularity among professionals throughout the UK.
With Fitrite recognised as leader when it comes to reliability and flexibility of service, never again will you have to compromise and use your dining room table as a working space. Installing a steel structured garden room is different to installing a standard wooden room and, therefore, requires a specialist – though our team will survey your property and provide you with a quote free of charge.
It may come as a surprise, but planning permission is only needed if work being carried out meets the definition of a ‘development’ set out in The Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It is crucial to consult local planning departments before embarking on any building endeavours, even if you’re not sure whether the project is classed as such.
Failure to secure approval for projects requiring planning permission may result in authorities dismantling the construction work – adhere to regulatory processes to avoid potential setbacks!
Navigating across-the-board planning regulations for outbuildings can be a source of frustration, though having a resourceful garden office built quickly is certainly possible if the space itself aligns with specific criteria. Fortunately, set ‘permitted development’ rules can spare you from the need for advance planning permission in certain cases.
Making sure your proposed building is within the correct boundaries isn’t the only important factor to consider, as height, use of building and placement within your premises are all potentially significant. Either make a checklist of criteria to follow, or keep this article close to hand when making those choices.
When embarking on any garden installation project, height becomes a key consideration – as nobody wants an eyesore built within their domestic space. It’s imperative that your garden office remains single-story and does not exceed a height of 2.5 metres from the ground level if you aren’t keen on waiting for planning permission to be granted.
Keep in mind legislation states that the structure must overall reach a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres, a maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case.
When it comes to constructing structures and additional measures on your property, planning regulations allow for some flexibility in proximity to your neighbor’s border. Despite this, building regulations do advise maintaining a minimum 1 metre distance from the boundary, and to avoid encountering further issues, you should try to follow this guidance whenever possible.
It’s crucial to note that obtaining planning permission is mandatory if your intention is to position your garden room closer to the road than the front of your house – remember that striking the right balance between proximity and compliance is key to a desirable outcome. If you’re looking for examples of our garden projects which meet these conditions, there are plenty of examples within our gallery.
Current building regulations prohibit construction on a space exceeding 50% of the land surrounding your home, and you’ll need to always apply for planning permission. Keep in mind, this 50% encompasses any prior home extensions or outbuildings constructed on the property since 1948 – therefore, if there’s an existing extension from previous occupants in your garden, it must be factored into the overall calculation.
The positioning of your garden room is crucial too, and it’s essential to avoid constructing it in front of the main facade of your house or on the side of your home without obtaining prior planning permission. If you’re in any doubt about this criteria, it is necessary to seek oversight from the relevant authorities before proceeding.
Typically, utilising a garden room for daily living and work activities doesn’t require planning permission, though as you may not be aware, using the structure as a standalone living space is prohibited.
A garden office should function as an extension of your home rather than a substitute, and deviating from this guideline could potentially lead to complications with planning authorities. It’s crucial to recognize that while a garden room enhances your living and workspace, it should remain complementary to your home rather than altogether separate.
In addition to designated office areas, an increasing number of individuals are redirecting their attention to their outdoor gardens for customised recreational spaces, exercise facilities, and playhouses for children.
Fitrite stands out as a leader across the UK, constructing outbuildings with steel structural frames and FSC®-certified UPVC cladding. Our permitted garden rooms even utilise energy-efficient building materials, meaning you’re grabbing yourself a warm and comfortable space when you trust us with your installation.
Discover the freedom of choice with Fitrite’s range of uPVC composite decking solutions, outbuildings and fencing. With a focus on quality and longevity, our decking selections not only enhance the aesthetic charm of your outdoor space but also promise durability. Recognise the significance of your outdoor area and trust our team to make your vision come to life.
Built to last and resilient for years, our outbuildings incorporate a steel structure, ensuring they resist rot, warping, splitting, cracking, and creeping, maintaining stability even in the presence of intrusive moisture. Contact us now for specific assistance.
