Planning a Garden Room? Here’s What You Need to Know

A well-designed garden room can be one of the most rewarding additions to your home. Whether you need a quiet space to work, a relaxing retreat, or a place to entertain, a garden room offers flexibility, value, and year-round comfort—without the cost or complexity of a full home extension.

At Sharpsaw Joinery and Builders Ltd., we’ve helped clients transform their outdoor spaces with bespoke garden rooms designed to suit their lifestyle and property. If you’re considering one for your home, here’s what you need to know before getting started.

Start With Purpose

Before anything else, be clear on how you want to use the space. A garden room can be designed for almost anything—from a home office or gym to a hobby studio, guest room, or garden bar. The intended use will influence the size, layout, and requirements of the structure.

Common uses include:

• Work-from-home office

• Fitness room or yoga studio

• Teen hangout or games room

• Garden lounge for entertaining

• Creative workshop or music room

Knowing the purpose early helps tailor the design to suit your everyday life.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

In many cases, garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, which means you won’t need full planning permission—as long as certain conditions are met. However, size, height, proximity to boundaries, and whether the room will be used for sleeping all affect the rules.

We can help you assess whether permission is required and support you through the process if it is.

Consider Utilities and Year-Round Use

If you're planning to use the space all year, consider insulation, heating, lighting, and power. Most clients want sockets for tech, lighting, and perhaps a Wi-Fi extender. Others go further with plumbing or electric heating.

At Sharpsaw, we coordinate everything for you—handling foundations, insulation, electrics, and finishing—so you get a space that’s ready to use, not just weatherproof.

Think About Location and Orientation

Where in the garden should it go? How will it align with sun exposure, privacy, and access? We’ll help you choose the ideal spot—balancing visual appeal, practicality, and how the new structure will affect your existing outdoor space.

Custom Build vs. Flat Pack

Unlike mass-produced sheds or summer houses, a bespoke garden room is built to last—and designed to fit seamlessly with your home and lifestyle.

With Sharpsaw, your garden room is:

• Built on-site by skilled joiners and builders

• Designed to match your preferred style and finish

• Fully insulated, weather-resistant, and durable

• Tailored in every way, from layout to materials

It’s a long-term investment—not just an extra shed.

Why Garden Rooms Are So Popular

Garden rooms offer privacy, versatility, and value—all without altering the footprint of your home. They’re a practical alternative to extensions and a creative way to unlock more liveable space.

Better yet, they can usually be installed quickly and with minimal disruption to your home.

Let’s Design the Perfect Space for You

If you're dreaming of more space to live, work, or relax—without the hassle of a full extension—a bespoke garden room could be the answer. At Sharpsaw, we’ll help you design and build a space that looks great, lasts for years, and works for your lifestyle.

Contact us today to start planning your garden room project.