Garden Room with a Toilet

Are you tired of running back and forth between your house and your garden room just to use the bathroom? Or perhaps you’re considering a garden room extension and want to maximise its functionality? Look no further! Garden rooms with toilets are becoming increasingly popular, providing convenience, privacy, and a host of other benefits. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about building a garden room with toilet, from the advantages and essential features to popular uses and cost considerations.

Short Summary

• A garden room with a toilet provides convenience, privacy, increased property value and versatility.
• Careful planning of plumbing, electricity, ventilation and drainage are essential features to meet building regulations.
• Consider construction costs as well as professional plumbing & electrical work before selecting the right builder for your project.

Benefits of a Garden Room with Toilet

Building a garden room with a toilet requires careful planning and consideration of several essential features. To create a functional and comfortable space, you’ll need to address plumbing, electricity, ventilation, and drainage. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring that your garden room with a toilet is safe, efficient, and adheres to building regulations.

Plumbing is essential for providing a water supply to the toilet and sink, as well as for providing a water supply to the toilet and sink.

Plumbing

Proper plumbing is essential when installing a toilet in your garden room. The necessary pipework from your house to the garden room must be buried at least 400mm below the surface, and the installation must conform to building regulations.

The exact plumbing requirements will depend on the type of toilet you choose and the location of your garden room. Make sure to consult a professional plumber for advice and assistance with the installation process.

Electricity

Electricity is indispensable for providing illumination, warmth, and powering devices in your garden room with a toilet. You can connect electricity either through the mains from your house or through the installation of solar panels.

Regardless of the method you choose, it’s crucial to ensure that all electrical installations are carried out by a qualified electrician and adhere to safety regulations.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy environment in your garden room, especially when a shower or bath is present, as it helps to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. Building regulations dictate that background ventilation and intermittent extract fans are necessary for a garden room with a toilet.

The exact ventilation requirements may vary depending on the size of the garden room and the type of toilet being installed. Be sure to consult an expert to ensure your garden room meets all ventilation requirements.

Drainage

Connecting your garden room to a drainage system is crucial for wastewater removal. The drainage requirements for a garden room with a toilet will depend on the proximity to the mains supplies of water and sewerage. If the garden room is situated in close proximity to the house, it is feasible to connect a toilet system to the mains supplies of water and sewerage.

The waste must be conveyed away by the sewer, necessitating connection to the nearest available one. Be sure to consult with a professional to ensure proper drainage for your garden room with a toilet.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Before you embark on your garden room with a toilet project, it’s essential to understand the planning permission and building regulations requirements. In most cases, garden rooms are considered to be permitted development and won’t require planning permission as long as they meet certain criteria. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance.

Building regulations may also apply, particularly for larger structures or those with sleeping accommodations.

Planning Permission

Most garden rooms with toilets don’t require planning permission, as they are generally considered to be permitted development. However, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority to confirm whether your specific project requires planning permission.

If your garden room meets the criteria for permitted development, you can proceed with your project without any additional permissions.

Building Regulations

Although garden rooms with toilets may be exempt from building regulations, larger structures or those with sleeping accommodations may require additional steps to ensure compliance. It’s important to research the specific building regulations that apply to your garden room project and follow the necessary steps to ensure the structure is compliant and secure.

When constructing a garden room with a toilet, efficiency, fire safety, and ventilation should be prioritized to meet building regulations.

Types of Toilets for Garden Rooms

When it comes to selecting a toilet for your garden room, you have several options to choose from. Traditional toilets, eco-friendly toilets, and composting toilets are all suitable choices, each with their own advantages and considerations.

Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your garden room project.

Traditional Toilets

Traditional toilets are the most common type of toilet found in homes and connect to the main water supply and sewerage system. These toilets are a reliable and safe choice, as they adhere to building regulations and are connected to your existing plumbing system.

If you’re looking for a familiar and straightforward option for your garden room, a traditional toilet is an excellent choice.

Eco-Friendly Toilets

Eco-friendly toilets are an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional toilets. They use less water and may include features such as rainwater collection or septic tanks, making them a sustainable choice for your garden room.

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact and conserve resources, consider an eco-friendly toilet for your garden room project.

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are an innovative option that converts human waste into compost, eliminating the need for a sewer connection. This type of toilet employs aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to decompose the waste into compost, which can then be used in your garden.

Composting toilets are an eco-friendly choice that can help conserve water and repurpose waste in a sustainable manner. If you’re looking for a unique and environmentally friendly solution, a composting toilet may be the perfect fit for your garden room.

Customising Your Garden Room with Toilet

Once you’ve decided on the type of toilet for your garden room, you can further customize the space by adding a shower, incorporating a kitchenette, or incorporating unique design elements. These additions can enhance the functionality and style of your garden room, making it a truly personalised space that suits your requirements and preferences.

Adding a shower, kitchen, or unique design elements can make your garden room more functional.

Adding a Shower

A shower can be a convenient addition to your garden room, especially if it’s being used as a gym or guest accommodation. Adding a shower to your garden room with a toilet ensures that users have access to a fully insulated, well-equipped shower room for bathing and refreshing themselves after a workout or before heading to bed.

When incorporating a shower, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation and adhere to building regulations to prevent mold and mildew.

Incorporating a Kitchen

A kitchen can make your garden building more functional and versatile, allowing you to prepare simple meals or entertain guests without having to go back to the main house. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from a variety of kitchenette styles, including mini-kitchen, wet bar, or even a full-sized kitchen.

Keep in mind that incorporating a kitchen may require additional plumbing and electrical work, as well as adherence to building regulations.

Design Elements

Finally, don’t forget to personalize your bespoke garden room with unique design elements that reflect your personality and style. Consider adding decorative touches such as wallpaper, paint, and furnishings to create a one-of-a-kind look. A garden room creates a space where you can also choose from a range of flooring options, window treatments, and lighting fixtures to truly make your garden room your own.

With a little creativity, you can transform your garden room with a toilet into a space that’s as stylish as it is functional.

Popular Uses for Garden Rooms with Toilets

Garden rooms with toilets can serve various purposes, catering to both personal and professional needs. Some popular uses for garden rooms with toilets include home offices, gyms, guest accommodations, and therapy rooms. Each of these applications takes advantage of the benefits and convenience provided by a garden room with a toilet, creating a comfortable and functional space for work, relaxation, or entertainment.

A new garden office with a toilet is a great way to add extra space to a home or business, making them a popular garden building option for those seeking garden offices or garden office space. With the increasing use of mobile and tablet devices, these garden rooms, including the new garden room, provide a convenient and comfortable environment for work or leisure.

Home Offices

A garden room office with a toilet is an ideal solution for creating a comfortable and private workspace. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or simply someone who occasionally works from home, a garden room with a toilet provides a dedicated and self-contained office space. The added convenience of a toilet ensures that you can work without interruptions, while the separation from your main house helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Having a garden room with a toilet can be a great way to create a comfortable and private space.

Gyms

Garden rooms with toilets make excellent gyms, providing a private and comfortable space for exercise. Adding a toilet and shower to your garden gym ensures that you and any personal trainers or clients have access to convenient facilities for freshening up after a workout.

A garden room gym also offers the advantage of being separate from your main living space, ensuring that your fitness routine doesn’t disturb the rest of your household.

Guest Accommodations

A garden room with a toilet can serve as a comfortable and private space for guests, providing them with a self-contained living area that’s separate from your main house. This allows your guests to enjoy their own space without feeling like they’re intruding on your family life.

A garden room annexe or sometimes referred to as a granny annexe with a toilet ensures that your guests have access to all the necessary facilities during their stay, making their visit more enjoyable and convenient for everyone.

Therapy Rooms

Therapists can benefit from a garden room with a toilet, providing a private and comfortable space for clients. The natural environment of a garden room can create a calming and therapeutic atmosphere, while the added convenience of a toilet ensures that clients have access to necessary facilities during their sessions.

Whether you’re a counsellor, a massage therapist, or a yoga instructor, a garden room with a toilet can enhance your practice and provide an inviting space for your clients.

Cost Considerations for Building a Garden Room with Toilet

Constructing a garden room with a toilet is an investment that involves several cost considerations. These costs include construction costs, plumbing and electrical work, and planning permission fees.

Understanding these expenses can help you budget for your project and ensure that you’re well-prepared for the process ahead.

Construction Costs

The cost of building a garden room with a toilet will depend on the size, materials, and complexity of the project. Construction costs can range from £11,350 to £28,209, with the average cost estimated to be between £15,000 and £20,000.

Factors such as the quality of materials used, the level of customisation, and labour costs associated with the installation will all impact the final cost of your garden room.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Installing plumbing and electrical systems in your garden room will add to the overall cost of the project. The cost of plumbing and electrical work will depend on the complexity of the installation and the hourly rate of the contractor.

It’s important to research and obtain quotes from multiple contractors to ensure you receive a fair price for the work required.

Planning Permission Fees

If your garden room project requires planning permission, you may need to pay fees to your local planning authority. These fees can vary depending on your location, so it’s essential to research the specific planning permission fees applicable to your area.

Keep in mind that most garden rooms with toilets are considered to be permitted development and won’t require planning permission, but it’s always best to check with your local planning authority to confirm.

Tips for Choosing the Right Garden Room Builder

Selecting the right garden room builder is crucial to the success of your project. To ensure a positive experience and a high-quality result, consider the following tips when choosing a builder: research the builder’s background and reputation, read customer testimonials and reviews, request references from previous clients, and compare prices to find the most cost-effective option.

Additionally, look for a builder who offers transparency in pricing and a range of design options to suit your needs and preferences. With the right builder on your side, your garden room with a toilet will be a valuable and enjoyable addition to your home.

Summary

In conclusion, garden rooms with toilets provide a versatile and valuable addition to any home. From convenience and privacy to increased property value and a range of potential uses, these functional spaces offer myriad benefits. With careful planning, attention to essential features, and a skilled builder, you can create a garden room with a toilet that meets your needs and enhances your property. So why not start planning your dream garden room today?

Don't wait any longer to start enjoying the multitude of benefits a garden room with a toilet has to offer. Contact Oakspan today for your free design quote. Let us show you how we can transform your outdoor space into a functional and beautiful extension of your home. Your dream garden room is just a call away, so take action now and make it a reality.