Creating a garden room can transform an outdoor space into a serene retreat, home office, or social hub, but there are several important garden room mistakes that homeowners often overlook—sometimes resulting in discomfort, friction, or wasted investment. Drawing directly from the expert insights of Paul Ransom, co-founder of Into The Garden Room, as featured in Livingetc, this post highlights the key pitfalls to steer clear of for a harmonious, long-lasting garden room. For the full article and in-depth discussion, visit Livingetc’s guide on garden room mistakes.
Overlooking Communication with Neighbours
One common garden room mistake is not informing neighbors before construction begins. Even when planning permission is not required, the appearance of a new structure can impact neighboring views, privacy, or garden lighting. Paul Ransom recommends proactively sharing plans and sketches with neighbors, fostering goodwill and minimizing potential disputes—an approach that aligns with Into The Garden Room’s philosophy of thoughtful, considerate design.
Choosing the Wrong Location
Placement is crucial for comfort and enjoyment, but many garden rooms are installed at the garden’s furthest end by default—sometimes leading to poor views, excessive heat, lack of privacy, or blocked outlooks from the house. A common garden room mistake. Paul advises clients to consider both perspectives: how the garden room will look from the house, and what can be seen from within the room. Will sunrise or sunset light the space? Is privacy maintained? Taking these factors into account ensures the garden room fits naturally and beautifully within its surroundings.
Selecting Low-Quality Materials
Building with inferior, budget materials is a short-term saving that often results in higher long-term costs and potential disappointment. Paul recommends choosing durable, attractive options such as thermowood, charred larch, composite cladding, and EPDM rubber roofing for lasting value and visual appeal. Into The Garden Room prioritizes robust, weather-resistant construction tailored to UK climate conditions.
Overcompartmentalizing With Stud Walls
Another common garden room mistake is overcompartmentalising your space. Dividing the garden room into smaller sections using permanent walls can make it feel cramped and hinder natural light. Instead, Paul suggests using furniture, open shelving, or tall planters to subtly zone the space while maintaining openness and flexibility. Freestanding dividers help preserve the airy, welcoming ambience that defines Into The Garden Room projects.
Ignoring Future Needs
Garden rooms should be future-proofed to accommodate evolving lifestyles, whether for growing families, visiting guests, or changing needs. Integrating adaptable features such as a bathroom or convertible sleeping area can add significant value and versatility. Into The Garden Room partners with clients to anticipate future uses, ensuring their garden spaces remain functional and delightful over time.
Learn More
Avoiding these garden room mistakes is essential for creating an outdoor retreat that enhances life for years to come. For further expert tips and a comprehensive guide to garden room planning, read the full Livingetc article: 8 Garden Room Mistakes You Have to Avoid.
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