Worried you might be making a mistake with your garden room purchase or self-build? You’re not alone - a lot of people make the same mistakes when they buy garden rooms but, fear not, we’re here to help. Cabin Master is a UK-based expert manufacturer and retailer of bespoke garden rooms which means we’re across both perspectives when it comes to this topic.
We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when people buy garden rooms and we want to share that knowledge with you so that you can avoid making the same mistakes.
Once you know what to watch out for, buying a garden room will be a breeze - you'll be able to find the perfect one for your needs and have it installed in no time at all.
Key Takeaways
- Lack of planning is one of the most common mistakes people make when building a garden room.
- Investing in a good foundation is also important as it will ensure your garden room remains stable and secure for many years to come.
- Always make sure you get a guarantee with your purchase and that the company you buy from takes pride in their work and will go the extra mile to make sure your garden room is installed to the highest possible standard.
- And finally, don't forget to insulate your floor!
Here are the top 6 most common mistakes people make when they buy garden rooms:
Mistake 1 - Going In With Zero Planning
What's that old saying: "Failing to plan is planning to fail”? This definitely applies when it comes to buying a garden room.
People often make the mistake of thinking they can just buy any old garden room and stick it in their garden without much thought or planning… This couldn't be further from the truth!
If you don't take the time to plan, you'll likely end up with a garden room that doesn't meet your needs and is just taking up space in your garden.
In the vast majority of cases, outbuildings come under the category known as “permitted development” which means you don't need planning permission from your local authority to build one.
However, we advise you to check with your local authority planning department beforehand to avoid any potential problems further down the line. It is not the garden room retailer's job to check this for you so please don't rely on them to do so.
Mistake 2 - Not Investing In Adequate Foundation
Any respectable and reputable garden room company will carry out a site survey before installation to check the suitability of your proposed site and agree on the most suitable foundation type for your garden room.
For example, at Cabin Master, you are able to book a free, no-obligation site survey with one of our experts.
During the site survey, we will assess the ground conditions and agree on the most suitable foundation for your garden room. We offer both concrete pad foundations and timber deck foundation options to suit different budgets and needs.
Investing in a good foundation is important as it will ensure your garden room remains stable and secure for many years to come.
Mistake 3 - Not Insulating Properly
When most people think of insulation, they only think about making sure their walls and ceilings are insulated but that’s not quite right…
Many people make the mistake of forgetting to insulate their floors as well. This is a big mistake as your floor is just as important when it comes to effective insulation.
Inadequate floor insulation will make your garden room cold and uncomfortable in the winter months. No amount of blankets and candles will make you want to spend time in a consistently cold room, no matter how nice it looks on the outside.
Check with the garden room company you're buying from to see what type of insulation they offer.
At Cabin Master, we offer both internal and external insulation options to make sure your garden room is as warm and comfortable as possible.
Mistake 4 - Purchasing Without A Guarantee
Did you know that a 10-year guarantee is a standard for garden rooms in the UK?
In fact, Cabin Master provides a 10-year guarantee on all of our garden room products.
This should give you some peace of mind when making your purchase.
However, we still see people making the mistake of buying garden rooms without any kind of guarantee. This is a big mistake as you could end up being left out of pocket if something goes wrong.
Always make sure you get a guarantee with your purchase - this will protect you in the unlikely event that something doesn’t go to plan.
Mistake 5 - Lack Of Professional Fit And Finish
Even though a sale is made once you sign on the dotted line, a professional garden room company will put as much effort into keeping customers happy after they have made a purchase as they do into getting the sale.
A lack of professional fit and finish can be a big worry when buying a garden room because it can lead to problems down the line, such as leaks, drafts, and even structural issues.
That's why most garden room companies have an on-site showroom where you can see examples of their work.
It's important to make sure you buy from a company that takes pride in their work and will go that extra mile to make sure your garden room is installed to the highest possible standard.
One of the best ways to do this is to look at the independent website Trustpilot to see what other customers have said about the company you're thinking of buying from. Also, look to see whether the company has responded to both good and bad feedback.
Mistake 6 - Not Investing in Quality Windows and Doors
One of the ways unscrupulous garden room companies cut costs is by supplying cheap, poorly-made windows and doors.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that all windows and doors are made equally.
Investing in high-quality windows and doors is important as they will help to keep your garden room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
They will also add to the overall security of your garden room.
FAQs
What are the rules for building a garden room?
It's imperative that your garden room is single-storey and that the height of the eaves is no more than 2.5m from ground level.
Can I build a garden room within 1m of a boundary?
There are no building regulation requirements for a minimum distance, but it's generally recommended that you leave at least 1m between your garden room and any boundaries if it is going to be used as sleeping accommodation.
Do you need to dig foundations for a garden room?
In almost every garden room build you would need to dig foundations, the depth of which would depend on the size and weight of your garden room. This is to ensure the stability of your build and that it is able to support the structure.
Once you've had a think about what you'd like in a garden room, it’s time to get in touch with us here at Cabin Master so that we can make it a reality.
Simply call us on 0115 857 2214 for an informal chat or to book a home consultation. In the meantime you can get an idea of finishes by taking a look at the some of the already completed garden rooms on our website at www.cabinmaster.co.uk. For additional inspiration take a look at our downloadable free e-book The Ultimate Guide to Garden Rooms.
