One of the best things about garden rooms is that they have the potential to be completely self-contained. If you install a mini kitchen and/or a toilet and shower room, you can use your garden room for anything you like. It could be an office, a gym, or a ‘granny annex’. The question is, how difficult is it to do? And how much extra does it cost?
Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Shower & Toilet In Your Garden Room
Why would you want to install a toilet and shower in your garden room?
Versatility and flexibility
Firstly, the versatility. As mentioned above, if you have a toilet and shower room in your garden room, you can use it for whatever you like. It can be guest accommodation for friends and family. It can be somewhere to turf your teenagers when they’re not ready to fledge but need more space of their own. It can become a holiday rental, giving you a new revenue stream. Or, you can use it for work. When you have the facilities, you have options. And you can repurpose the space according to your needs.
Value
In addition to versatility, you have added value. The wider the functionality offered by a garden room, the more value it adds to your property. A good quality garden room can add at least 8.4% to the value of your home. And the more features it has, the more value it delivers.
Convenience
And even if you’re not renting out your garden room or using it as an office for anyone other than yourself, adding a convenience will make it more… well… convenient! Which, from a personal perspective, brings its own value. Because even if your garden room is close to your house, you may not want to have to tramp through the rain every time you need the loo.
What do you need to consider before choosing a toilet and shower for your garden room?
Planning
In the majority of cases, you won’t need to seek planning permission for a garden room. At Garden Room Sanctuary North North, we work to ensure that all of our structures comply with permitted development regulations. So, unless you live in a conservation area, listed property, or an area of outstanding natural beauty, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, it’s always wise to check with your council before building.
Practicalities
If you’re going to install a shower and toilet in your garden room, you are going to need to be able to access electricity and plumbing. So, the siting of your garden room can be paramount. If you’re planning on placing the structure right next to your home, these shouldn’t be major issues. But if you have a large property, then the further away from your home your garden room is sited, the more expensive plumbing and electricity will be to install.
The cost
Because there are so many variables, there can be no fixed costs where garden room shower and toilet installation are concerned. First, there’s the cost of the main structure and its installation. And, as mentioned, the price of the electricity and plumbing will vary according to the location. Then you have to think about the costs directly related to the shower and toilet installation too. DIY options are available. If you’re a little bit handy, you could install your own internal shower and toilet fittings. Professional installation will obviously cost more, but can help to reduce stress!
Installing a shower and toilet in a garden room isn’t always essential. In many cases, it’s merely a ‘nice to have’ feature. But if you’re wanting a garden room that is versatile and convenient, then it’s certainly something worth considering.
Are you thinking about installing a garden room on your property? Why not get in touch with the Garden Room Sanctuary North North team to discuss your options?
