A summerhouse, also called a garden pavilion or garden room, is a simple outdoor structure used as a recreational space or office. Summerhouses near me provide extra living or storage space outside of the main house and allow homeowners to better enjoy their backyard. They can be fully-customized with amenities like electricity, heating, windows, insulation and more to be usable in all four seasons.
Benefits of Owning a Summerhouse
Owning a summerhouse offers many advantages over simply using an outdoor patio or deck space:
More Usable Space
A summerhouse provides a dedicated area protected from the elements by walls and a roof where you can relax, work, or pursue hobbies. The interior floorspace allows you to add furnishings like seating, storage, work tables, and decor.
Customization
While pre-fabricated summerhouses offer a budget-friendly option, building a custom summerhouse allows you to tailor the layout, size, features, and aesthetics to match your taste and needs. Customization also ensures the structure fits nicely onto your property.
Increased Property Value
A summerhouse that is well-integrated into the landscape design elevates your backyard and can increase property resale value. Summerhouses demonstrate better utilization of outdoor areas.
Versatility
With thoughtful design and amenities like insulation, electricity, and heating – summerhouses can serve as three-season spaces or even fully livable studios. You dictate the functionality based on your needs and budget.
Types of Summerhouses
There are three main construction materials used to build summerhouses:
Wooden Summerhouses
Wood is a classic choice loved for its warm, rustic aesthetic. Softwood like pine is affordable and easy to work with. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood have natural resistance to rot and decay. The most budget-friendly wooden summerhouses utilize less expensive woods framed out with sturdier wood only where needed.
Metal Summerhouses
Metal summerhouses are usually made from aluminum, steel, or a blend of metals. Metal stands up well to weather and is a good choice for low maintenance structures. Metal sheeting offers great durability but less aesthetic appeal than wood. Newer metal summerhouses often have decorative design elements to offset the industrial look.
Brick and Stone Summerhouses
Masonry summerhouses made of brick or natural stone have old-world charm and inherent weather-resistance. While heavy and more costly than other materials, brick and stone structures require little ongoing maintenance and have excellent insulative properties. This makes them ideal for conversion to well-equipped three season garden rooms.
Summerhouse Styles
In addition to material types, summerhouses come in a variety of styles that determine the layout and functionality of the interior space.
Lean-to Summerhouses
As the name implies, lean-to summerhouses directly adjoin a main building, most often the house. They typically have a single pitched roof sloping away from the building. This is the easiest summerhouse style to build since only three walls need framing. Lean-to structures offer a cost-effective way to extend recreational space out from a home. Their drawback is lack of ventilation on the enclosed side.
Corner Summerhouses
The defining feature of corner units is their two adjoining walls set at 90 degree angles. This efficient footprint tucks neatly into gardens. Corner layouts normally incorporate front and back entry doors for improved airflow. Many people utilize corner summerhouses to extend existing patio areas.
Pent Summerhouses
Pent summerhouses have a rectangular or square footprint like a small cottage or shed. This style encloses space on all four sides, so good ventilation comes only from windows and doors. On the plus side, pent units have abundant interior real estate to accommodate furnishings and activities. They work well as standalone backyard retreats.
Considerations When Choosing a Summerhouse
Selecting the right summerhouse involves weighing practical factors like size, customization options, and amenities against style preferences. Keep the following key considerations in mind:
Size and Layout
First determine how much floorspace you realistically need for intended activities. Remember to account for furnishings and circulation space in the layout too. While it’s tempting to go big, improperly scaled summerhouses look and function poorly. Lean-to units typically span 10 – 14 feet wide. Pent style units more commonly range 300 – 600 square feet.
Customization Options
Evaluate what custom upgrades would enhance usefulness – like insulation, electrical wiring, and finishes. Consider visual coordinates with your home’s architecture like matching trims, colors, and materials. On the other hand, creative contrast can make your summerhouse pop as a standalone structure. Know the possibilities and limitations of customization based on materials and local builder capabilities.
Insulation and Lighting
Adding insulation and heat allows for expanding the summerhouse’s season of use. Proper lighting also extends daytime hours. Consider wall sconces, recessed ceiling lights or pendant lamps. Incorporate lighting controls like dimmers and smart technology so ambiance can be adjusted. Plan for adequate electrical load and outlets to support lighting needs plus other possible electrics like TVs, computers and sound systems.
Finding Local Summerhouse Suppliers and Builders
The best way to browse summerhouse design, material, and accessory options is to visit local building showrooms. Schedule in-person meetings with manufacturers and builders to learn about customization opportunities in your region. Reputable suppliers have the expertise to translate your summerhouse vision into a practical plan based on climate and property conditions.
Ask friends and neighbors if they can recommend trustworthy summerhouse contractors with proven expertise building structures similar to what you have in mind. Firsthand referrals are invaluable for identifying quality builders. The most talented contractors remain busy year-round via word-of-mouth, which speaks volumes about skill and integrity.
Online supplier websites also showcase summerhouse product lines. Even if purchasing direct isn’t possible, exploring online galleries gives a helpful frame of reference regarding styles and pricing norms before meeting with local builders.
Getting Quotes for a Custom Summerhouse
Be prepared to supply the following information when requesting quotes:
- Intended function (storage, workshop, retreat space, etc.)
- Preferred summerhouse style and size parameters
- Construction materials desired
- Itemized list of options like lighting, insulation, shelving so builders understand exact customization scope
- Property survey and photos so builders can assess space and cite considerations
- Target budget and willingness to compromise if needed
Secure quotes from multiple custom summerhouse contractors and compare not just on cost but also on intangibles like professionalism, design expertise and capability to execute well. Be leery of quotes that come back markedly lower than the bunch – unrealistically cheap bids often result in planning gaps and corner-cutting. Consider value over price alone when selecting your custom builder.
Preparing the Site for a New Summerhouse
Proper site preparation is key to providing a stable, long-lasting foundation for your summerhouse investment. Follow this process:
Start by leveling the installation area. Eliminate uneven surfaces, holes, and slopes using fill dirt if needed so the space sits uniformly flat.
Lay down landscape fabric as a moisture barrier to inhibit weed growth and prevent the soil from mixing into the summerhouse’s flooring material.
Install a foundation frame appropriate for the soil type that will anchor the summerhouse walls. This is commonly a concrete slab, compacted stone base or wooden beam structure. Local codes dictate thickness/depth standards.
Run underground wiring and plumbing if adding electricity, lights, water or sewer lines before completing foundation material. Dig trenches at the correct depth per code from the installation area to access points on electrical/plumbing networks.
Construct above-ground physical install supports specified by summerhouse manufacturer like wood or concrete piers. Follow spacing guidelines to adequately disperse weight.
Create nearby accessibility routes free of obstructions while maintaining proper grade. These pathways allow equipment and workers safe access during installation.
With site prepped and utilities installed, the area is ready for summerhouse delivery & construction!
Building Regulations for Summerhouses
Most regions have codes and restrictions governing permanent structures like summerhouses over a certain square footage. Building codes dictate numerous structural, electrical and plumbing specifications to meet safety, insulation, wind and snow load resistance standards. Decking over 18 inches off ground level often requires railings too.
If your summerhouse classification falls into more complex classification like a dwelling unit or commercial space, significantly more stringent regulation applies.
Research local ordinances through municipal resources early when planning a custom build. Identify if zoning type permits a summerhouse. Get clear on height limits, allowable footprint coverage as percentage of the property, setback minimums from existing buildings and parcel borders plus any environmental protections that apply.
Submit proper permit applications and secure approval from zoning, planning and building departments before breaking ground. Unexpected violation removal can become very costly. Better to clarify requirements upfront.
Planning Permission for Summerhouses
In some areas, summerhouses up to a certain dimension get automatic planning permission when built as an adjunct to an existing residence. Larger structures likely require submitting formal planning applications subject to review processes and approval timelines.
To avoid delays, provide comprehensive project overview documentation covering:
- Full dimensions with elevation sketches
- Positioning on the property and setback distances
- Design styles and external materials
- Visibility from boundary sightlines & screening strategies if needed
- Intended usage as it impacts character of neighborhood
- Services like electrical, plumbing, waste removal
Successful applications demonstrate sensitivity to neighborhood aesthetics, minimal disruption to surroundings and adherence to environmental protections. With approval in place before hiring contractors, building can commence without frustrating interruptions.
Ongoing Maintenance for Summerhouses
Regular upkeep preserves aesthetic appeal and functionality. Maintenance plans balance preventative care with responsiveness when problems do arise:
Cleaning and Preserving the Summerhouse
Clear seasonal debris like leaves from the roof & rain gutters to prevent water damage. Use gentle cleaners and wood preservatives made for your summerhouse materials when washing exterior surfaces. Re-stain regularly to protect woods from sun damage. Stay vigilant for cracks in foundations and seal promptly to inhibit moisture intrusion leading to expansive structural issues.
Securing the Summerhouse
Keep doors, windows and access points latched when not in use. Install lighting on motion sensors to automatically deter unauthorized entry at night. Consider wiring security cameras discretely focused only on the summerhouse exterior if theft is a major neighborhood concern. Reinforce doorways, storage spaces and shadowy nooks so they cannot provide cover for anyone with ill intent.
With periodic maintenance and conscious precautions, your treasured summerhouse sanctuary will endure for decades to come.
Conclusion
Summerhouses expand livable backyard space for recreational, storage and work needs. They provide a sheltered haven apart from main dwellings to suit all sorts of hobbies and gatherings. With myriad styles, amenities and customization options at affordable budget points, installing a summerhouse taps immense potential for better enjoying your outside areas from the intimacy of an enclosed, well-equipped retreat.
FAQs
What size summerhouse requires planning permission?
In most areas, summerhouses up to 10m2 can be built without planning permission. Larger structures will require approved applications before proceeding. Always verify local regulations.
How long does a summerhouse last?
When built with quality materials on a proper foundation and maintained well, summerhouses generally last 15-20 years or more. Lifespan varies based on climate, construction methods and care.
What is the most affordable summerhouse option?
Pre-fabricated wooden summerhouses ordered in standard size kits without customization offer the most budget-friendly route, often under $2000 total. Lean-to structures also minimize cost with their simple single-wall construction.
Should you insulate a summerhouse?
Insulation helps regulate interior summerhouse temperatures in all seasons for more comfortable use over extended months. If also incorporating heating and plumbing, insulation becomes imperative to control moisture and avoid winter pipe damage.
Do you need planning permission for decking on a summerhouse?
Generally if a summerhouse was approved or considered a permitted structure, complementary decking also gets automatic approval. Still confirm regulations for elevated deck platforms requiring safety railings. Permission may be needed over certain deck height or footprint size.
