Essential Features of a Self-Contained Garden Annexe: What to Look For?

A garden annexe is more than an extra space in your garden. It’s a self-contained living unit that can be used for elderly care, young individuals seeking early independence, or even a guest suite. Self-contained garden annexes are a preferred choice by many young British families today. 

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Did you know? According to the Valuation Office Agency, there are around 60,000 annexes in England and Wales alone. This not only highlights the growing demand for garden annexes across the UK but also sheds light on the cultural shift within families. With increasing property prices and the rising cost of elderly care, garden annexes are more than just a convenience. They are affordable and more efficient. 

Why Add a Self-Contained Garden Annexe to your Garden?

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A self-contained garden annexe is a perfect choice for multi-generational living, as it allows independence with the safety net of having your loved ones around you. Whether you want a one-bedroom or a more spacious set-up with a kitchenette and shower, we at London Timber Buildings will work with you to build an annexe that is home to you. 

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Self-contained garden annexes are a practical solution to future living. Your parents can enjoy their space without any stairs and purpose-built accessible features to make living easier, while also having you next door in case of any emergency. This modern solution is not only feasible but also helps families experience stronger intergenerational bonds while living together. 

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Additionally, it not only saves you the cost of spending on a care home in the long run but also increases your property’s value. 

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Here are some essential features that make your self-contained garden annexe your dream S.P.A.C.E.

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S - Self-Contained Layout

P - Plumbing, Power & Pre-Wired Comfort

A - Accessibility & Safety

C - Comfort with Insulation & Heating

E - Exterior & Aesthetic Integration

S - Self-Contained Layout 

The key difference between a garden annexe and a garden room is the self-contained living unit design. A garden annexe includes: 

• Living area - Space for lounging or dining 
• Bedroom - Usually a separate room or a studio-style arrangement 
• Kitchenette - Compact but functional cooking facilities 
• Bathroom - Functional shower, sink, and toilet unit. 

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The self-contained unit comes with fully functional facilities, allowing for complete independence while being close to the main house. 

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P - Plumbing, Power & Pre-Wired Comfort

Plumbing and Utilities

A fully functioning annexe needs connections for water, electricity, and drainage. Planning these utilities early helps avoid costly adjustments later. Consider eco-friendly options such as energy-efficient appliances or even solar panels to make your annexe more sustainable.

Pre-wired for comfort living

Comfortable living begins with well-planned facilities. As standard, our Annexes are pre-wired and have the following inclusions;

• Consumer unit
• 2x Exterior lights
• 7x Double plug sockets
• 12x Internal downlights
• 2x Wall heater
• Electrics required for the kitchen
• Electrics for shower, heated towel rail, water heater and extractor fan.

We also provide additional downlights, sockets, wall heaters or air-conditioning units on request.

A - Accessibility and Safety

Since many annexes are used for elderly living, accessibility is a key function -

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• Step-free entrances with wider doorways for easy mobility.
• Good ventilation and lighting for comfortable living. 
• Non-slip flooring to avoid any mishaps. 
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety. 

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These features ensure safety for the elderly and future-proof the self-contained garden annexe for evolving needs. 

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C - Comfort with Insulation & Heating

Since a self-contained garden annexe is meant for year-round living, insulation and heating become extremely important. Our garden annexes come with two wall heaters as standard for a more cosy feel, and also come with an upgrade option with air conditioning units or eco-friendly solutions like infrared panels. The units also come with high-grade insulation with double-glazed doors and windows, and users can also choose from a variety of cladding options, such as thermowood or cedar, for efficient living.

E - Exterior and Aesthetic Integration

Exterior Privacy and Proximity

For a peaceful multigenerational living ecosystem, it is important to strike the right balance between independence and connection. While building a self-contained garden annexe, one should consider the following - 

• Use of fencing, plants or screens for privacy.
• Soundproofing measures can help with a quiet environment.
• Position the annexe at a comfortable distance from the main house. 

Aesthetic Integration

Your garden annexe is a space you will use for a long time. Therefore, it should feel like home. We offer multiple personalisation options, from roofing and cladding to decking, so you can make your self-contained garden annexe your dream home. 

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Outdoor Integration 

An outdoor integration with a patio or a decking can give your garden annexe a more premium feel. Our self-contained garden annexe includes approximately 500mm of decking to the front of the building, mirroring your roof overhang. For Annexes that are clad in wood, 500mm decking is our standard timber option. For composite clad buildings, we use the standard composite decking.

We also offer upgrades and additional decking, if required, to meet your needs.

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Planning Permission and Regulations 

All annexes will require planning permission; however, we are partnered with the UK’s only annexe planning and development consultancy. They have over fifteen years’ experience in the planning industry and work specifically in this niche sector. From this specialism, they have gained an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the planning and development process for garden buildings, resulting in their unparalleled planning application success rate. They have worked with 250+ local planning authorities, and from over 500 garden building applications submitted, they have a remarkable 93% planning approval success rate.

Together with our partnered consultancy, we will provide all the drawings required to seek permission, along with a supporting planning, design and access statement and submit the application to the Local Authority on your behalf. With thoughtful planning and expert guidance, London Timber Buildings’ garden annexes can become a cherished extension of your family home for years to come. 

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Ready to build your garden annexe? Get in touch today. 

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