THERE will be many people who, because of their family situations or lifestyle, would like more living space available in their property.
But because of the way the market is, not to mention the cost of moving and the desire to stay in the area they live in, that avenue is often not an option.
However, there is another way.
Following the birth of his two boys, Barnt Green builder Richard Stokes changed his home office to a playroom for the youngsters but still needed the office space he had. So he constructed it in a wooden-clad building in the garden.
Since then he has built similar constructions for friends and family members, and, following their reaction and the increasing need many people have for extra space, he launched his business mygardenspace in January of this year.
Along with garden offices and workspaces, customers of his have had summer houses, home gyms, completely sound-proofed home cinemas, kitchenettes, guest bedrooms and even granny annexes.
Another popular choice for garden rooms has been ‘man caves’ which include features, such as bars, pool tables and dart boards – providing a nice area for that all important ‘me time’ or equally important leisure time with friends.
As well as Richard, the family business boasts his brother who takes care of the glazing, his brother-in-law who lays the foundations, his dad who provides the finer details and finishing touches and his cousin’s son who is also learning the skills to create that perfect garden room.
Not only can mygardenspace provide the structure, it can also install the interiors, whether that be office furniture, such as desks and seating, shelving, fitted kitchens or bathrooms or anything else that is required.
Richard said: “We can literally do anything – a customer I’m providing one for in the next few weeks is having a gym and a hot tub but we could also feasibly do a sauna and steam room – it all depends on the space.
“When we moved back to the area from Leamington Spa, the cost of the sale, the solicitor’s fees, the surveys and the stamp duty ran into £20,000.
“For many that would be enough to extend their property by using some of their garden space.
“We find a lot of people don’t think about this option or see how much potential their garden has for it.
“Another thing we have discovered is people are amazed at what they can get with the amount of space they have – whether it be a small garden or a small space in a big garden, there is always something that can be done.
“The good thing about it is garden rooms like this are subject to Permitted Planning regulations which means you do not have to go through the same planning process you would need for an extension.
“Because we use glazing and cedar clad a lot of the time, the extra rooms look contemporary and also instantly add value to the property.”
And the process takes a lot less time than many people would think – it begins with Richard and his team surveying the space the customer has available and asking them what they need.
He then uses the experience and knowledge he has acquired in the building trade over the last 16 years, to suggest to the customer what they could have.
He then puts together a 3D design which they can literally ‘walk around’ on the computer screen to see what they would be gaining and what it would look like.
Then, once the design has been agreed, the construction begins and usually takes a maximum of between two and four weeks.
Richard first got involved in building back in 2001 when he bought his first home – he started with installing a bathroom and a kitchen conversion and then began to use his skills professionally – building brick and timber extensions and extra garages.
And because of the other family members with their varying skills, it means mygardenspaces has specialists in each of the required fields for the projects they undertake. This cuts down on secondary contractors, keeping costs down and gives the family firm the advantage of being able to offer their services at very reasonable prices.
So if you would like more space in your property but love the area you live in, why not give mygardenspace a call and see what potential you can unlock in your plot?
For more on mygardenspace, call Richard on 0121 294 7002, email him at [email protected] or visit www.mygardenspaceltd.co.uk
