So, you’ve decided you want a garden office, but don’t really know which one to go for or what features it needs?
If you’re looking for a garden office with a toilet or bathroom, then you’re in luck!
In this article, we’ll be exploring the different options and solutions you have when it comes to choosing a garden office with its own toilet or bathroom.
Contents
What Are The Benefits?
The main benefit of having a toilet or bathroom in your garden office is obviously convenience – you don’t have to go all the way back inside the house every time you need the toilet!
This can be a real lifesaver, especially in the winter months when it’s cold and dark outside.
Another benefit is that it can make your garden office feel more like a proper home office. If you’re working from home, it can be really helpful to have everything you need all in one place.
As we’ve mentioned in other articles, this extra workspace will help increase the value of your home and will be much more appealing to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.
It’s also a lot cheaper to build a garden office rather than building an extension on your home, so if you’re on a tight budget this could be a great option for you.
Just remember, installing an additional toilet or bathroom to your office will take up more space, so this is certainly something to consider if you’re at the beginning of your journey.
Other Use Cases
Garden room with en-suite
There is not really that much difference in space or cost if you are looking to install an en-suite shower room as opposed to a toilet and sink.
The main difference is that an en-suite shower room will come with a shower enclosure.
Garden Room With Toilet And Shower
Similar to the ensuite idea, the space and cost wouldn’t really be that much different for you to have a toilet and sink as well as a shower enclosure.
Building Regulations For A Garden Office With Toilet
If you are planning on building a garden office room with a toilet, you must first be made aware of the building regulations.
The vast majority of garden offices don’t require any planning permission. However, by installing a toilet or bathroom you would need to double-check with your local council.
You see, planning permission is different from building regulations. Building regulations are there to ensure that any new building or structure is safe and meets the required standards.
Whereas planning permission is about whether or not you are allowed to build something in the first place.
If you’re not sure, it’s always best to check with your local authority. They will be more than happy to help and can give you specific advice for your area.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide a definitive answer since councils around the country can have different regulations.
Connecting Plumbing To A Garden Office
By far the easiest way to incorporate plumbing into your garden office is to have it connected to the house.
This way, you won’t have to worry about any additional plumbing work or extending your current water supply.
You will also use your garden room toilet in the exact same way as you would use the toilet in the house.
If you’re not comfortable having the plumbing connected to your house, then you can always opt for a septic tank instead.
Depending on how eco-friendly you want to be, you can also opt to have an eco-toilet where the wastewater is disposed of into a soakaway or compost heap.
Garden Office With Toilet Cost
OK, now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of pricing.
There really is no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to garden office toilets, as the cost can vary depending on a whole range of factors.
However, we can give you a rough idea of what you might expect to pay.
The expense of constructing a garden room with a toilet or bathroom will differ greatly depending on the type you select, but the typical cost per square meter for a garden room with a bathroom is about £745 per square meter.
From around £1,500 for a little and basic design to approximately £15,000 for a customized brick garden room with full bathroom facilities, you can build a garden area with insulation and electricity.
FAQs
Can I sleep in my garden office?
Many types of buildings, such as a carport and a backyard office, require no Building Regulations if they are under 30 square meters. However, when you include the option of sleeping in the building, even just occasionally, you must apply for and follow Building Regulations.
Can you have plumbing in a garden room?
Yes, you can have plumbing in a garden room. Your garden’s slope may allow the water to flow naturally away, but you might need a macerator pump to remove the trash.
Can you build a dwelling in your garden?
Yes, you are allowed to construct a home in your garden if you have a large enough garden to create another dwelling. You may use the new property for guests and letting purposes, or allocate it to elderly relatives.
Just remember that you will also need to apply for planning permission and follow the building regulations for dwellings.
Can I use my garden office all year round?
If your garden room has underfloor insulation, and heating, and is double-glazed, you can use it all year round. You may also need a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels down in the summer months.
What type of toilet can I install in my garden office?
There are a few types of toilets that you can install in your garden offices, such as a composting toilet, a waterless urinal, or a low-flush toilet.