Can garden rooms with bathrooms be stylish and practical? Yes say the experts, and here's how

Garden rooms with bathrooms are an appealing upgrade if you're needing extra living space without the disruption of an extension.

Offering convenience (after all who wants to run up the garden path to the house every time nature calls), and the opportunity to use your garden room ideas for more than one purpose, adding one may also be easier than you think.

So what is involved if you're considering garden rooms with bathrooms and what can you expect to achieve? Are you limited to caravan like chemical loos or you can you still create a spa-like space?

Creating garden rooms with bathrooms

If you're looking to invest in a garden room with bathroom, in the same was as selecting to have a bedroom in a garden room, you'll need to be prepared to budget for a bespoke solution. Buying one off the shelf per se won't be an option, says Jason Mennie, director at Haon Garden Rooms.

"A lot of garden room companies do not offer this type of service, so yes, generally this would be a bespoke room," he confirms.

Of course, the benefit is that in choosing bespoke, you open up the options of what is available to you.

"Garden rooms can have a full-on bathroom and shower," says Roy Wetherall, managing director at Green Retreats. "There's no need to settle for just a toilet and sink unless that's what you're looking for. With smart design and careful planning, many modern garden rooms can easily accommodate a shower room without turning your space upside down. So, whether you want a post-workout rinse or a private guest bathroom, it's completely doable."

How much extra you can expect to pay for your garden room costs will depend entirely on the size, fixtures and fittings, and finished look. Although with water and drainage a key requirement for garden rooms with bathrooms, you'll also need to pay for this element too and the costs for that will be determined by a number of factors, including how easy access is to your existing mains drainage.

Roy Wetherall

Roy Wetherall founded Green Retreats over 20 years ago, and has been at the forefront of garden room innovation, transforming outdoor spaces, adding value to homes, and enhancing everyday living ever since.

Getting services to garden rooms with bathroom

While we'll come on to discuss fixtures and fittings for garden rooms with bathrooms, at the very least you'll be looking at a sink and toilet which means you'll need to connect water and have a means of drainage to get rid of water and waste. Add in a shower and you'll need to consider bathroom ventilation too, such as the best bathroom extractor fans.

"It's the connection to the mains drainage that is often the most complicated part of the build," advises Jason Mennie. "It may require a pumped solution as garden rooms are typically in the rear garden with mains drainage often running out to the front of the house.

"We generally need to dig a trench from the mains drainage of the house down to the garden room, and, depending on the length of the run and the depth of the drains we may need to install a pumping station to move the waste out of the garden room and up to the drains," he explains. "A saniflow system, or macerator toilet, could also be utilised depending on the position of the room in relation to the drainage, so even though each project is different, there's always a solution."

However, you will also need to establish who is responsible for organising and over-seeing this part of the job say the experts.

"While some garden room suppliers don't handle services directly, we will work with your chosen plumber or drainage specialist to make sure everything is hooked up right," says Roy Wetherall. "Just remember, planning is key. Think about things like where the garden room is, how the pipes will run, and how to access mains connections before your shovels go into the ground."

"We specialise in connecting services to annexes or garden rooms too," confirms Jon Matthew, the founder of from Hawksbeck Garden Rooms. "We use a service trench to ensure the process is efficient and minimises disruption."

"Don't forget connecting to the mains drainage will require building regulation approval as well," adds Jason Mennie, "so it's important to time that work in conjunction with a visit from the building control officer."

Rules and regulations for garden rooms with bathroom

"When it comes to garden rooms, the rules really depend on how you're using them," says Roy Wetherall.

"For garden office ideas or gyms, you usually don't need garden room planning permission, but if you're getting plumbing involved, then that's where it gets a bit more technical," he says.

"As previously mentioned, pipework connected to the main drainage system will need to pass building regulations, so plumbing has to be signed off as safe and up to code."

Whether or not you need planning permission will also come down to size and how you intend to use it – particularly if your bathroom is required so that your new space can be used for sleeping in.

"For the building to be classified as permitted development it shouldn't contain any long-term sleeping accommodation," confirms Jason Mennie. "We are always very cautious on behalf of our clients, so would always look to engage with the individual local authority before we start a project in order to determine what approvals are needed."

Choosing your fixtures and fittings

Choosing the best fixtures and fittings for the bathroom in your garden room may also not be as restrictive as you think, with plenty of options available. However, it will of course be wise to consider practicality when purchasing.

"You can go as stylish as you like with your toilet, sink, and heating options. However, there are some considerations for certain styles. Wet rooms or full-sized fixtures for example might be too heavy for the garden room's structure, or tricky to waterproof," advises Roy Wetherall.

"When it comes to heating your garden room bathroom, and your garden room in general, electric solutions, such as electric underfloor heating are also usually your best bet," he adds. "They're easy to install, low-maintenance, and don't require the infrastructure or expense of gas or water-based systems, making them ideal for occasional-use garden rooms."

Base your bathroom choices on your needs too, advises Jason Mennie. " For a simple garden office idea for example, a toilet and sink is more than sufficient, but for the larger gym rooms that we often build a shower is also possible," he says.

And, if drainage is proving a problem, you still have options says Jason. "We have also done standalone solutions utilising a chemical toilet and standalone basin with pumped hot water if the connection to the mains drainage is not possible or cost prohibitive.

"If you do opt for a shower, installing an electric shower would also be the best option he adds, "but the bathroom can be fully tiled or walls covered with alternatives such as aqua panelling, so it will look and feel just like any bathroom in a house."

Compact sanitary ware, the type you might use in small ensuite ideas will also be worth considering in order to save on space. Choosing multi-functional items such as bathroom mirrors with lights and storage is also a sensible move.

Shop for fixtures and fittings for your garden room bathroom

If you are going to add a bathroom into your garden room plans, and one that's likely to be used on a regular basis, you may be better changing your view on what it is you're looking to install, is Roy Wetherall's final piece of advice.

"If creating a garden room or outbuilding that will be used as a full-time outdoor bedroom and bathroom setup, go for a garden annexe," says Roy. "It's built for all-year-round living, complete with the comfort and flexibility of a proper home. Plus, annexes come with the right permits and regulations for permanent use, so you can live in style without worrying about getting into legal hot water. It's the best choice if you're looking to make your garden room a cosy, functional living space."

It's always advisable to shop around too, adds Jason Mennie. "I would always deal with a reputable company who can help you navigate the hurdles involved with such a significant investment," he says. "With garden rooms with bathrooms having implications for both the planning and building control departments at a local council, be very cautious of companies that come in and don't mention those elements.

"Complete your due diligence on any company, visit their showroom and talk to their previous customers. Go and look at some previous rooms that they have built with the elements that you are looking for and take note of their online reviews," he adds. "Research in the early stages will always be a time investment that pays dividends in the long run."