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With so many people craving additional space in their homes, you more than likely have thought about how to create extra space at some point too. With there being several options to choose from such as a garden annexe, an extension, a garden room, or moving to a new location, deciding on the best solution can be challenging. This post delves into the advantages and disadvantages of a traditional home extension versus a garden annexe and will hopefully help you determine which option best suits your needs.
When considering a home renovation, the first thought that often comes to mind is how much it is going to cost. A Garden annexe typically comes with a higher price tag compared to a traditional extension. However, it's important to remember that a garden annexe offers more privacy since it's detached from the main house, making it an ideal choice for adult living spaces for grown children or elderly relatives. On the other hand, a traditional extension integrates seamlessly with your home, making it a great option if your goal is to enlarge your kitchen or add an extra bathroom or bedroom.
Whether you’re opting for an extension or having a garden annexe built, you will need to obtain the necessary permissions. A garden annexe typically requires planning permission as they are usually built to be used as a permanent living space and need facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen installed. Whereas a single-story extension on the back of a property may not require planning permission and may fall under Permitted Development Rights, so you would only need to have a certificate of lawful development which can be issued by your local council. However, this does mean that you have to stick to specific conditions and limitations.
Constructing a garden annexe is significantly quicker than adding an extension. Depending on its size, the season and the complexity of the build, a garden annexe can be completed in as little as 10 working days and up to 20 working days for more complex projects. However, it's important to factor in lead times, which may range from 8 to 12 weeks. This is usually due to obtaining the planning permission. In contrast, a single-story extension typically requires a couple of months to plan, design and secure any permissions, followed by an additional 3 to 4 months on average to build.
When it comes to choosing the best option for you, you’ve got to think about what the space is going to be used for and how it will impact your and your family's everyday life.
With a garden annexe being self-contained it means that the space is quieter and more private. This is perfect for elderly relatives and adult children who want their own independent space or even as guest accommodation. An extension builds upon the existing home and is perfect for those looking to enlarge their kitchen, add a bathroom or create an additional bedroom without the need to relocate.
No matter which option you choose, the extra space will add to your property value, which is a great advantage. The value increase will depend on the size of the build, additional facilities added and the overall quality of the finished build.
If you’re leaning more towards building a garden annexe, then Hawksbeck Annexes are an Essex-based building company that build beautiful bespoke garden annexes. They use sustainable building methods and materials and they have corporate responsibility to the environment in mind.
They guide you throughout the whole process from the initial consultation, planning and designing, obtaining planning permission right to the finished build and making it as stress-free as possible. They also offer a 10-year warranty and have a minimum life expectancy of 60 years.
You can find out more about Hawksbeck Annexes and take a look at their recent builds on their website.
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