Do garden rooms need to follow building regulations?

Building Regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, design, and insulation standards of structures. While they are important for obtaining certificates when selling a house, they typically do not apply to outbuildings. This blog post will clarify the Building Regulations requirements for garden rooms, outlining the key considerations and exceptions.

Outbuildings and Building Regulations:

Outbuildings, such as garden rooms, are generally exempt from Building Regulations, provided they meet certain criteria:

• Not Attached to the Main Home: The outbuilding should not be physically connected to the main dwelling.
• Floor Area Limit: The floor area of the outbuilding should be less than 15 square meters.
• No Sleeping Accommodation: The outbuilding should not include sleeping accommodation.

Larger Outbuildings and Distance from Boundary:

Even if the outbuilding exceeds 15 square meters but remains below 30 square meters, Building Regulations approval is not usually required under specific conditions:

• No Sleeping Accommodation: The outbuilding should not be used for sleeping purposes.
• Distance from Boundary: The outbuilding should be situated more than 1 meter away from the property boundary.
• Non-Combustible Materials: The outbuilding should be constructed using non-combustible materials.

Building Regulations Compliance for Sleeping Accommodation:

If there are plans to use the outbuilding for sleeping purposes or as a guest bedroom, it will need to comply with Building Regulations.

Electrical Considerations:

Electrics within the garden room must adhere to Part P of the Building Regulations. For instance, if a separate consumer unit is installed in the garden room, a qualified electrician should connect it to the mains supply. They will conduct safety tests and issue a certificate demonstrating compliance with the relevant Building Regulations.

Garden room with bathroom 

If you wish to have plumbing facilities, such as a cold water supply, hot water, or even a toilet, certain installations and connections are necessary. 

If you plan to use your garden room for activities typically associated with your main home, such as showering or cooking, you may need to obtain planning permission. It's important to check the regulations and requirements specific to your location.

Cold Water Supply:

To have a cold water supply in your garden room, new plumbing installation is required. This involves two sets of pipes—one for bringing fresh water and another for removing waste water.

Fresh Water Connection:

To connect your garden room to a fresh water supply, you'll need a connection to the mains water in your house. Consult with a plumber to ensure proper installation and compliance with plumbing regulations.

Waste Water Disposal:

For waste water disposal, it may be possible to connect your garden room's waste water pipe to an existing drain. However, if this option is not available, you might need a pump to move the waste water to an outside drain. Proper drainage and compliance with regulations are crucial.

Hot Water Option:

If you desire hot water in your garden room, small hot-water heaters can be installed under a sink. These units typically provide around 7-10 liters of hot water and offer convenience for activities like washing dishes or handwashing.

Toilet Installation:

Fitting a toilet in your garden room will likely require a macerator, which reduces waste to a pulp for efficient disposal. Additionally, the toilet will need to be connected to a soil pipe to transport waste to the main sewer. Compliance with plumbing and sanitation regulations is essential for proper installation and functionality.