It’s easy to nod off if you’re cosied up in front of the TV in your garden room, especially if you’ve decked it out with comfy chairs, cushions and blankets. And because it creates extra space, you might be wondering whether it could become an extra bedroom for friends and family who stay over – or even Airbnb it.
But there are rules and regulations to follow when it comes to creating a garden room bedroom. This article explores whether you can sleep in a garden room and how to create the ultimate garden room bedroom.
Can you sleep in a garden room?
You can sleep in your garden room as long as it’s for incidental use and it’s not set up as a bedroom – for which you would need both planning permission and Building Regulations approval.
That means your guests can enjoy a one-off overnight stay on a sofa bed, and you can fall asleep when lounging around. But there’s a fine line between incidental and residential use. The odd occasion is fine but you shouldn’t make sleeping in your garden room a habit without the right permissions.
What counts as incidental use?
Your garden room has to be incidental to your house. That means it can’t function without your main home or serve as a standalone living space. It has to complement your property as an extra space, whether that be for gaming, yoga or watching films.
Incidental accommodation is protected by Permitted Development Rights, which is why you don’t need planning permission for a garden room. On the other hand, ancillary use refers to sleeping, showering and cooking in your garden room which does need planning permission.
As long as the primary purpose of your garden room is for incidental use, sleeping in your garden room on the odd occasion is perfectly fine.
Do you need planning permission to sleep in a garden room?
If you’re planning to set up a garden room bedroom, you will need planning permission. That’s because you’re changing its use from incidental to residential which isn’t covered by Permitted Development Rights. There are no safety reasons preventing you from using your garden room as a bedroom, as long as it’s structurally secure, energy efficient, fire safe, well ventilated and accessible – which Eurocell’s Garden Rooms are designed to be.
To start a planning application for your garden room bedroom, contact your local planning authority (LPA) through your local council. They will advise you and answer any questions you might have when submitting an online planning application. To support it, you might need documents like floor plans and drawings, and you will have to pay a fee.
Once your application has been submitted, your garden room bedroom request will be assessed. Your neighbours will be consulted, and anyone can view the application. You will then need to wait for a decision from the council. The whole process usually takes a couple of months.
Do Building Regulations apply?
Building Regulations are a set of standards that all buildings, extensions and conversions need to comply with to show they meet health and safety requirements. So, if you plan to use your garden room as a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, you will need Building Regulations approval.
To do this, you’ll need to make sure your garden room is:
● Stable
● Fire safe
● Waterproof
● Accessible
● Energy efficient
● Ventilated
● Insulated
● Safe plumbing, electricals and water supply
You would typically apply for Building Regulations approval through a private or local building control body (BCB). If you’re planning to sleep in your garden room, you would need to make a full plans application to show that it’s safe for living in.
Once you have made an application, you will get a decision in five weeks and a completion certificate within eight weeks of your garden room being built. However, if your application is rejected you might be asked to make changes before approval is given.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms are manufactured to a high standard. They come fully insulated and watertight with safe electrical kits and a multi-point locking system. You can opt for double-glazed windows and doors to make it extra energy efficient and keep the temperature regulated for use all year round. Our installers are fully qualified and have the experience to install your garden room safely. Let your installer know if you plan to use the garden room as a bedroom or if you have plans for a toilet or shower.
Can you use a garden room as a guest bedroom?
Provided you have planning permission and Building Regulations approval, you can set up a garden guest room. It’s a fantastic way to offer guests privacy and independence while they visit.
However, if it’s a one-off stay and the garden room’s primary use isn't a bedroom, you won’t typically need planning permission.
A garden guest room not only gives your guests extra space, it also means nobody in your household has to give up their bed either
It can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers and is cost-effective compared to an extension which can take months to build. Eurocell’s Garden Rooms are fitted in as little as two to four days and are a blank canvas that can be decorated according to your own style. It’s fully insulated and watertight, so your guests can sleep safe and sound, whatever the time of year.
Can I have a toilet in a garden room?
You can add plumbing to your garden room to install a toilet. But if you plan to set up a bathroom you will need planning permission and Building Regulations approval
Regardless of the use, you will also need a qualified plumber to set it up and make sure there is the correct drainage and plumbing connections. Under Building Regulations, the toilet will need proper waste disposal and ventilation to make sure it’s safe to use.
Your garden room will also need to be the right size to fit a toilet. Let your installer know if you plan to fit a toilet so they can account for electricals and plumbing. And if you’re unsure whether you need planning permission, get in touch with your LPA before you go ahead.
Garden room bedroom ideas
If you’ve got the right permissions and approvals, you can transform your garden room into a spare bedroom, guestroom or even list it on Airbnb to make some extra cash.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms are stylish and come complete, so you can decorate the walls or upgrade to internal cladding which is low maintenance and modern.
Choosing your garden room bed
When designing your garden room bedroom, consider the bed size. Will you have enough space for a double bed, or will putting in a single bed free up space for a wardrobe? Also consider where you want to place the bed – whether that’s facing the windows to look into the garden or opposite for a bit of privacy. A sofa bed is also a good shout if you want to save space in the daytime. Complete the look with soft sheets, blankets and pillows.
Accessories
Opt for blackout curtains or blinds to make sure your sleep doesn’t get disturbed and for privacy. Also consider extending your WiFi range so your guests can stay connected.
Low hanging ceiling lights or wall mounted lights will create a warm ambiance, and natural colours like sage green or stone for your walls will tie the garden room in with the surrounding natural landscape. On the other hand, darker shades like deep grey or red create a striking contrast especially when lit up at night.
Storage
Storage in a bedroom is a must. Size up your space and think about whether a bedside cabinet, wardrobe or chest of drawers would be more suitable. Underbed storage is also a good option and an ottoman bed offers you the space to pack bedding, towels, your guests suitcase or belongings.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms are fully insulated so your guests can enjoy space no matter the outdoor temperature. But you can also buy a portable heater or fan to give them extra choice.
Why install a garden room?
Creating extra space is the reason why you’d choose to have a garden room – but what you do with that space is up to you. While some people want a dedicated space for their favourite hobby and all the equipment or materials that brings, others want a more flexible place for relaxing and hosting the occasional overnight guest. You can also turn it into a permanent bedroom, as long as you have the right permissions.
Eurocell’s garden rooms are modern and come in a range of styles and sizes to suit your project. If you’re thinking of setting up a new bedroom without the mess and hassle that comes with an extension, explore Eurocell’s range of Garden Rooms.
