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Use your garden to extend your living space Posted on: Friday, April 25, 2008 How can you extend the living space in your Chiswick property? Think beyond the loft and the side extension and move into the garden. Loft conversions are the first thing people think of but what do you do if the loft has already been extended or if there just isn’t enough roof and staircase space? Christian Harper of Oliver Finn cautions against over-extending: "A house with seven bedrooms but limited reception space just doesn’t make sense. Plus you have to factor in the expense and disruption of living alongside the builders for six months.” There is another way – by moving into your garden. Oliver Finn has just such a property for sale in Chatsworth Road Grove Park, W4. Along with an abundance of trees, plants and shrubs, the 120' lawned rear garden is home to a self-contained office with its own power supply. Gardens are a less invasive and more straightforward space solution says Lynne Fotheringham of InsideOut Buildings: “Building Regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. For instance since April 2008, the staircase to the loft has to be completely enclosed, and how many of us have space for that? “The minimal invasion of your living space is the thing that clinches it for most people – no dust or mess inside the house and you can shut the door on the work as it goes on.” Here are some top tips for using your garden for extra living space: 1 Who benefits most from a garden office? Homeworkers, consultants, therapists, performers and musicians can all benefit. Gardens can accommodate a self-contained office, therapy room, study or studio – and provide a haven from the bustle of everyday family life. It’s a great way to take full advantage of your garden. 2 How much space do you need? Possibly less than you think. A minimum of 50-60ft foot long garden can comfortably carry off a great, purpose-designed home office. 3 Is it a good investment during the credit crunch? Certainly if the reason you’re moving is to get more space. In today’s market buyers may not be able to afford as much as your home is worth, and they are much more nervous about taking on larger mortgages (which are now more difficult to obtain). 4 What are garden rooms used for? Many people create them for multi-use. You can create a workspace but also include a shower room, sofa bed or even a kitchen, so the pace can double up as guest accommodation. You can also add a shed on the end so that there’s space for garden essentials. Granny annexes are popular for older relatives who are becoming lonely in their own homes. 5 Are garden rooms eco-friendly? Choose a firm that uses sustainable materials, and double insulation, so minimising energy costs. 6 How much value do garden rooms add to the property? This will vary from house to house, and area to area, and it's difficult to put an exact figure on it. What is certainly true is that a well-built garden room impresses buyers and improves the saleability of the property. 7 Will it get chilly in winter or stuffy in summer? Unless you live in a modern eco-friendly home, a double-glazed garden building is better insulated that the home you’re in now. 8 How much does it cost? A good garden building costs from £22,600. Foundations and plumbing costs extra and varies from garden to garden. 9 Will I need planning permission? Planning permission is not about the size of a garden office but about the location and intended use. Most garden offices do not need planning permission. Granny flats used as a separate dwelling will need planning permission, but there are many circumstances where small granny annexes and accommodation buildings don’t need consent. 10 How long does it take to build? It’s usually three to four months from the first enquiry to being able to hang your curtains. If you need planning permission the process will take longer. Building time on site is often just a couple of weeks. A garden room could be just the thing if you're looking for more living space or if you want to give your property the edge over similar properties in the area. For a free planning permission service contact Lynn Fotheringham of InsideOut Buildings, on 01524 737999, or visit www.iobuild.co.uk Other current news items Chiswick property prices remain steady Posted on: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 Women would forego their Chanel to live in Chiswick Posted on: Saturday, August 14, 2010 OliverFinn appoints residential sales manager Posted on: Friday, August 13, 2010 OliverFinn sponsors Chiswick teenagers Posted on: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Free step-by-step guide to help first time buyers Posted on: Monday, August 09, 2010 Premium for Chiswick properties in catchment areas for good schools Posted on: Friday, August 06, 2010 Rob McPeake joins the lettings team at OliverFinn Posted on: Friday, July 23, 2010 Exercise caution when letting property in Chiswick Posted on: Thursday, July 22, 2010 How to buy a house or flat in Chiswick, W4 Posted on: Monday, July 19, 2010 Fix my Chiswick Street Posted on: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 A nice garden adds value to Chiswick property Posted on: Thursday, June 24, 2010 The impact of the budget on the property market Posted on: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 The things people forget on moving day Posted on: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 World Cup set to kick off Chiswick property market Posted on: Thursday, June 10, 2010 Chiswick property: No HIPs required Posted on: Friday, May 21, 2010 Save hundreds of pounds selling your Chiswick property Posted on: Friday, May 21, 2010 First time borrowers should take exam Posted on: Thursday, April 29, 2010 Chiswick householders guide to cost savings Posted on: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Election effect on your property Posted on: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 Buyers want more space Posted on: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 Taxman using Land Registry to locate dodgers Posted on: Monday, March 29, 2010 How much council tax for your Chiswick property? 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Posted on: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 London house prices likely to stabilise Posted on: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 Interest rate cut to 2 per cent Posted on: Thursday, December 04, 2008 Christmas is a busy time for burglars Posted on: Monday, November 24, 2008 Best buy tracker mortgage Posted on: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Spice up your garden to deter squirrels Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2008 Now is a good time to move up the ladder Posted on: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 Rate cut makes it cheaper to buy than rent a Chiswick property Posted on: Friday, November 07, 2008 Interest rates slashed to three percent Posted on: Thursday, November 06, 2008 Halloween and Bonfire Night warning for homeowners Posted on: Thursday, October 30, 2008 Properties to let in Chiswick could benefit from a government shake up Posted on: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 Rental demand up by 50% Posted on: Thursday, October 23, 2008 Axe The Agent? 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