Whether your family is growing or you need space for an elderly parent, moving into a new home or adding space to your current house may not be possible. However, if you have space in your backyard, then you may be able to purchase a small outbuilding, sometimes referred to as a granny annex, to make more room in your house. Here are six considerations for choosing an outbuilding to expand your house.

Available Outdoor Space

It is important to measure the area where you want the outbuilding to go to determine what the maximum size can be. The size of the building will help determine what the building can be used for such as an office, a garden oasis for relaxing, or someone’s bedroom. If the building will need electricity, you should hire an electrician to determine how to power it and help get permits for the work.

Determine Use

Before researching outbuildings to create more space in your home, you need to know how you plan to use them. If it’s to be living space for a parent or a grown child, then it will require more privacy than an office space or a garden leisure building. The outbuilding may be an extension of your house so you will want it to be as comfortable as possible for the person using it.

Consider Style

Most outbuildings are built from timber but they are built in different styles to complement your house or garden area. If you have a contemporary home, then you should be able to find a contemporary outbuilding designed with a flat or hipped roof. For older homes, there are log cabins that come in many styles to complement your house and garden area.

Room Comfort

If the outbuilding is to be used as someone’s living space or an office, then you will want it to be comfortable no matter what the weather is outdoors. Look for buildings that are insulated with doors and windows with insulation as well. Consider double glazing for the windows and door, if it has a glass insert, to prevent draughts, especially in the fall and winter.

Pre-Built or Bespoke

Another consideration is whether to purchase an outbuilding that is pre-built or have one customised for your needs. With some pre-built cabins or rooms, you may not need to get a permit to place them in your backyard. However, if you have one built, then you will need to hire a contractor and seek permits from your local government for its construction.

Budget for Outbuilding

Since you’ll find outbuildings in a wide range of prices, you will need to figure out how much you can spend on purchasing a building. Your budget will play a large role in what type of building you can buy and its amenities. However, some companies offer financing that you can use to help purchase one.

An outbuilding can be used in many ways and with these considerations, you should be able to get one that suits your family’s needs.

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