Disclaimer: this is not a set of instructions. This is more of a diary of how I am going to set about building my very own garden studio. Ever since we bought this house, we had a garden room planned. At first, it was meant as teenager hideaway, as we had work space inside the house. It is a big study, with more than enough space for 2 desks and lots of bookshelves. Then slowly the spare room became a teenage space, and the study was permanently occupied by a now permanently working-from-home husband, full of meetings and secretive projects – which meant we can’t, realistically, share anymore. So I am making my way into the garden.
The current situation means I am either working on a folding table in the lounge or on the kitchen table when I need a bit more space. Which is fine – but my job comes with a lot of mess. I have samples and books and equipment that are crying out for its own space. I *could* rent a space somewhere, but the choice would be either move into the city – and I don’t want to commute to Cardiff every day – or try to find a suitable location locally. There are some alternatives, however a few of them have terrible phone reception (I’m looking at you, Cowbridge!) or I would probably have to let go of my super mega fast broadband. So the obvious alternative is to build my own space. I could be sensible and either get someone to build it for me, or to buy a kit – but why would I make life easier for me when I can go the hard route?
Along the way, I will be writing a series of blog posts to help anyone going through the same process. And I am going to start from the very first steps: the planning. It is essential to approach a project like this with a plan. The first thing I did when I decided this was going to happen was to buy the book How to build a shed, by Sally Coulthard. As much as I am handy with general DIY, I have never built anything other than a garden shed. The book is brilliant – a beautifully illustrated step-by-step guide on how to build your very own garden room. I thoroughly recommend it as starting point for your building journey.
If you are thinking of building yourself a nice garden pad, here’s a few things for you to think about before you get started:
1. Do I need planning permission?
If you are following Sally’s book to the letter, you probably don’t. As a general rule, if your shed is no higher than 2.5m it does not require planning permission. However, if you are planning on using it as a work space where customers will come to you, it is wise to check with your local authority if you will require permission. When I set up my office at home, I sought the advice of my local authority and was told that, as long as I don’t have a constant flow of clients, I didn’t need any consents – however I will consult with them again before I build my shed, just in case, as if you are running a business from home they will be worried about things like changes in traffic, parking and the impact on your neighbours. Again, I don’t tend to see clients at home so I don’t expect to need any permissions *fingers crossed*. You might also need Building Regulations approval depending on the use of your space, so don’t forget to check!
2. How to choose a site?
Ideally, you want to choose a site that is level, or that can easily be levelled. Everything else comes from personal preference. Do you want it to be next to your home or in a peaceful, secluded location? What is the sun path? Do you want light or shade? Do you have a particular view you want to have from your garden room?
In my case, my garden is on a slope, so the location had been mostly dictated by that, so it will go on the top level near the house. I chose the side as to face the sun during colder months and summer mornings – the same side as my orchids‘ table – and, with a bit of luck, get a glimpse of the sea.
3. What are you going to use it for?
Maybe this should have come first – even before thinking of planning! – but have a good long thinking about how this space is going to used. Is it a working space or a relaxation retreat (or a mix of both)? How big do you need it to be to fit whatever you want in it? Do you need electrics, wifi, heating, running water? Do you want it to be warm in winter or will it only be used during warmer weather? Do you need it to be secure, are you keeping tools, electronics in it? What type of finishes would you like to use inside and out? Do you want it to blend with your garden or do you want it to stand out?
I have not drawn plans for mine yet but I will be adapting Sally’s model to fit my needs. I want a main room, where I will have my studio that may double up as a summer house, with sofas and space to relax, and a side shed where I can store garden things and maybe my power tools. I really wanted a toilet but I don’t fancy how much bigger the job would be so I will leave that out. I am toying with the idea of a wood burning stove but am not sure yet. I will share the plans as soon as I have them 🙂
4. Wait, do I need plans?
If you are following Sally’s book, no. But if you are not, a plan is useful to calculate the materials you are going to need and to have a visual reference of what your space is going to look like. You may also need plans if consents are required – don’t forge to check with your local authority!
Would you love to build your own garden room but need a bit of help with planning your space? We can help! Send us a message or book a free consultation and we can talk you through the services we offer and how we can help you achieve your perfect outside space ♥️
