How You Can Increase the Value of Your House by Installing a Garden Room or a Veranda

Modern villa with poolBefore we get to know how having a veranda or a garden room improves your home, it’s good to know the difference between the two. A veranda is an extension attached to one wall of a house while a garden room is secured by three more walls on each side. Both serve the same purpose of providing extra space to households. They also give room for outdoor activities such as having outdoor lunch or barbeque with friends. The biggest advantage over the usual outdoor space is that room gardens and verandas provide protection against the hot sun or cold during winter. Below are some of the benefits of having a veranda or garden room.

 

Increases Storage Space

 

If you have too much stuff in your house that is giving you a headache, you can always use a garden room or a veranda to store them. This will provide good protection from the sun, rain or other weather conditions that may damage your household items.

 

Raises the Value of Your House

 

People are always on the move to look for a better or improved residence. Whenever you want to sell your old home, having a veranda or garden room will ensure you get a better deal from buyers. The beauty and usefulness that this installation adds to your home will help you fetch more money from the property. Recent research from estate agents shows that having a high quality veranda or garden room will increase the value of a home by 5 to 15%. This is a reasonable amount to invest in.

 

Provides an Authentic Home Design

 

With the increased competition in the construction industry, it is becoming more challenging to stand out from other homeowners. A garden room is an easy way to make your home outstanding. You will be able to invite your neighbours for a barbeque during any weather because the veranda provides good shade during hot afternoons.

 

Cuts the Cost of Building a Conservatory

 

A garden room plays a similar role to a conservatory. You are able to use the room facility for both storage and relaxation instead of having to look for extra storage space. A garden room is also cheaper to construct and maintain in comparison to a conservatory.

 

Healthy Living

 

The effects of ultra violet rays on the skin can never be ignored because they can cause major health problems. You can avoid direct sunlight by spending hot summer days in a garden room. The roof shields you from the harmful sun rays, hence ensuring that you stay healthy even when spending your free time outdoors.

 

Variety of Use

 

Besides relaxing and storing your items, you can also use a veranda for other things such as having an outdoor office. You can use it as a spa, gym or even a guesthouse. A veranda does not limit you to one specific use; you can always play around with it to meet your needs and increase comfort.

Furniture for Your Garden House or Veranda

Small townhome garden with patio furniture amidst blooming lavender.

Having a veranda or a garden house attached to your home can bring great opportunities for relaxation. It serves a number of purposes – relaxation, spending time with the family, a space where the kids can run riot without destroying your home, communing with nature (in case you have a nice garden), and entertaining friends and family. Everything can be done in the garden house, but for this you need to furnish it with the right kind of furniture.

Some of the most commonly used garden furniture is:

Folding table: A folding table is a great addition to your veranda. It can provide a space to keep your stuff on while relaxing. It can even be used as a dining table. But at the end of the day, it can be wrapped up and put away, making it convenient.

Folding chairs: There are comfortable folding chairs that can be purchased for your veranda. Like the table, these too can be put away after use.

Garden bench: Garden benches add an interesting touch to your open veranda.

Other furniture that can be put in the garden house are footstools, cushion-covered couches, rocking chairs, etc. If you have the space, a swing would also be an excellent addition. You can also add colour and comfort to the furniture by the addition of cushions, sheer curtains, flower vases, and other such items of decor.

Qualities of garden furniture

Durability: Your garden furniture is going to weather the outside climate. If you want your furniture to last long, make sure that it is durable and made for weathering the climate you live in.

Attractiveness: Whether you are going in for the muted look, or the vivid eye-catching appearance, your garden furniture needs to look good. It also needs to blend in harmoniously with the garden and the decor.

Cost: Because garden furniture are exposed to the elements continuously, it makes sense to buy low-cost furniture that can be replaced after a few years. Purchase quality furniture at the lowest price range.

Comfort: Comfort is certainly a factor while choosing garden furniture. You will not be able to relax or have fun in your garden house if the furniture is not comfortable.

Types of garden furniture

Wood: Wood is a long lasting and hardy choice for those who like the ‘natural’ look and it is easy to maintain.

Wicker: Wicker is the quintessential garden furniture and is made from materials like rattan, bamboo, and cane. Wicker is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.

Metal: Usually made of aluminum or wrought iron, metal furniture provides a more classic and formal look, and are also easy to clean and maintain.

Plastic: Lightweight and portable, plastic furniture is very easy to clean and maintain. However, plastic furniture is generally not very durable.

With these ideas in mind, you can choose the best garden furniture for your veranda!

Average lasting of a wooden garden room

Average lasting of a wooden garden room

Beautiful Garden With Bench And Little Pond To Relax

Wooden and timber garden rooms are the perfect way to complete a home. They offer extra space which you can use in a unique way whether you are thinking of an office, a lounge, a guest room or something similar to an inside garden. To this additional space a wooden garden room will create it will also increase the value of your home.

Getting Started

When you are getting started on planning your garden room you need to think about the location, the size and its function. You need to have an idea to help your builders visualize what you want. They will then offer ideas for windows, doors and roofs depending on your specifications. You will also need to consider extras such as water, electrics and insulation. Your builders will help cover these elements for you if you aren’t sure.

Timber Versus Other Materials

Many people don’t think that timber is a long lasting option when choosing it as the main material for construction but they are wrong. Timber frames are made to last and if constructed and treated properly it can last for over 500 years. Take a look at the Ise Temple in Japan which is over 1300 years old and claims the title of the longest standing timber structure to date.

Make sure to ask your builders about how the beams will be connected because when connecting timber beams joinery makes it stronger. As wood dries after construction the joinery will then also tighten itself as the wood shrinks. Ask your builders if they will be using seasoned wood rather than green wood which is stronger.

Aside from timber framed constructions being sturdy, they are extremely safe in the event of earthquakes, heavy snows and winds. When you are going through the building process make sure you are assured by your builders that all the wood will be treated correctly against termites and mites that could weaken the strength of the structure.

Why Choose Timber

Timber is not only beautiful, safe, solid and easy to work with but it is easy accessible and one of the inexpensive options when adding various structures onto your home. Why not create a beautiful garden room as an add-on to your home which will be long lasting, will increase the value of your home and will be an extra space which the whole family will love to use.

Different types of seasonal plants to improve gardens’ appearance

photo-1416339657728-db4f81e78693Gardens should be enjoyed all year round, not just in the summer months. If you want to give your garden a new lease of life with colourful and interesting plants throughout the four seasons, then we can help you. Below we share some of the best seasonal plants that can help you to create a year-round garden.

Spring

Spring is that time of year when gardens suddenly come to life. Spring flowering bulbs should be planted in October/November, so that they begin to grow and bloom during the early Spring. Tulips are a great choice as they come in all sizes and colours, apart from blue. They are best planted in soil that gets lots of sun and has good drainage. The primrose is usually the first flower to rear its head in the Spring. It comes in yellow, white, blue and pink, and always has a bright yellow centre. This bulb prefers cooler temperatures. The daffodil can be petty much planted anywhere, looks beautiful, and gives off a distinctive floral smell. The pansy, snowdrop and crocus are also wonderful choices. All of these plants are brightly coloured and will instantly breathe new life into your garden after a cold and long Winter.

Summer

There are so many Summer flowers and plants for you to choose from. The begonia is a large and blooming flower that can thrive pretty much anywhere and is available in all colours. Sweet peas look best in the cottage garden and smell divine. They are best left to trail up walls or via canes, and can reach a height of up to 6 feet. No summer garden would be complete without the Busy Lizzie. They are used mainly in borders where there is lots of shade, and are available in reds, pinks, purple and white. Other great choices of summer plant are the daylily, nasturtium, roses and hydrangeas.

Autumn

Autumn is such a beautiful season when reds, oranges and browns dominate the colour scheme of the garden. Chrysanthemums are herbaceous flowers in browns, pinks and bronze colours. They grow incredibly tall and can be cut for use in the home. Michaelmas daisies are another tall perennial that produce honey scented white flowers. They usually flower in late Autumn. Gordonias are also a popular choice for the Winter months as they add a splash of colour to the garden. Other great choices are asters, flowering cabbage and kale.

Winter

Many believe the Winter garden to be devoid of plants but this is simply not true. The Winter garden looks lovely with hollies, snowdrops and Winter pansies. The viola is much smaller than the pansy, but are just as versatile and add colour to a garden, even when there is a hard frost. A wonderful Winter bedding plant is that of the primrose, which is available in all colours and sizes.

Eco friendly material suitable for garden works

tiquette "100% nature" avec ficelle sur fond vieux boisMaking eco-friendly gardens means working according to nature’s desires. It is not to say you should work against nature by negatively affecting the survival of other organisms. You do not carry out any practice that will harm the environment either directly or indirectly. The design of an eco-friendly plot can take several approaches depending on the site you have in your mind. For instance, a wetland area will look rather different than the grassland area. The best eco-backyard consists of the local species of plants. These species of plants are usually the residing places for the birds, butterflies and other insects. In other words, the typical eco-farm should contain all aspects of organisms interacting together in the correct manner.

The processes of making an eco-friendly plot involve the use of the eco-friendly materials for the works. The eco-friendly materials are the materials that do not go against the nature requirements. They do not in one way or the other affect the existence of the essential living organisms. This article tries to discuss some of the eco-friendly materials, which are suitable for the works.

The first eco-friendly material appropriate for the farm works is the ultimately recycled ladies work glove. This is the glove that is used while handling the stems of the plant. They do not have the negative effects on the plants. They are again eco-friendly because they can be recycled.

The second eco-material that is suitable for the work is the reclaimed wood gardens’ spikes. These spikes are friendly to nature and do not have the effect to the living organisms in any way. The next material suitable for the work is the vintage watering can. This can help in an application of water to the plants in the farm. It does not have any contrary effect to nature.

The hand forged transplant trowel is the next material. This material is used for transplantation of the seedlings. It does not have the contrary effect to nature. Again, it does not negatively affect the living organisms present.

The fifth eco-friendly material is the hand forged three tine cultivators which have got the short handle. It does not operate against the nature requirement. It is used for special cultivation in the farm.

The next suitable material in this chapter is the bamboo grows pot rack. These are special pot racks where the bamboos are being grown during their early stages. They do not have the adverse effects on nature and the plants.

The next suitable eco-friendly material for the work is the terra cotta 3 level tray. This tray is typically used during harvesting of the agricultural products. The tray does not have any negative effect on nature. The last suitable eco-friendly material in this work is the natural slate garden ID markers. The name directly depicts that the material does not have the hazards of nature.
Therefore, it is fundamental to understand the materials that are fundamental to eco-friendly garden work. The above article clearly articulates the materials in broad terms.

Technical phases needed to install a garden room or a veranda

Gardens are now being viewed by homeowners as an extension of the home, with many choosing to build garden rooms and verandas to create extra living space. However, individuals can become confused as to the technical phases that are needed when building a garden room or veranda. In fact, many individuals can become incredibly concerned that the work will be destructive and timely. The reality is that building a garden room, or veranda, is incredibly efficient and will not create too much of a disruption regarding your daily avidities at home. Below we outline some of the technical phases that are needed during the planning and build when creating garden rooms and verandas.

Set of different work tools on wooden brown surface

The size of veranda or garden room

The size of room is very important and this is really the first stage of the planning process. You need to carefully consider where you wish the room to be and how much space it will take up in your garden. Gardens come in all shapes and sizes and therefore so do garden rooms. Many garden rooms will be sold as standard sizes, but it is also possible to create a bespoke garden room that fits the contours of your garden.

Drainage and gutters

This is a very important phase of the installation process. All garden rooms must have adequate drainage and guttering installed. Stranded gutter sizes are 3mm in thickness and ensure a stable gutter system. Of course the way in which the guttering looks is also of importance, with many drainpipes being hidden within the garden room’s post structure. Although guttering can be hidden, many home owners also opt to have decorative gutter covers to enhance the overall look and to make it appear more aesthetically pleasing.

Type of roof

As well as the size of garden room and guttering, the roof of both the garden room and veranda is also very important. There are many different styles and martials of roof to choose from, that can truly personalise your outdoor room. Toughened glass is one option and is preferable for those who have a small or dark garden. Clear polycarbonate also allows light into the space. In direct contrast, when you wish to block out the sunlight, then opal polycarbonate is the best choice. Another roofing material that is popular with both garden rooms and verandas is IR clear polycarbonate, that allows light in while repelling heat.

Lighting and creating heat

A very important technical phase is that of installing lights and heating. You don’t necessarily need lights or heating, but they can enhance your outdoor space and make them accessible throughout the year. Remote control LED lights can be installed into the ceiling, and heaters can be mounted onto the walls for added heat during the cold Autumnal and Winter months.

Garden rooms and verandas maintenance

Yconservatoryou may be considering garden rooms and wondering what these can do or how they can benefit you? There are various types to choose from and it would be best to have the knowledge and information so that you could choose one that will meet your very specific needs. These are sometimes called contemporary or modern, but definitions change with time. Regardless of whether you like them or not, you have to admit that they are a welcome addition to any home or garden.

The canopy room is one that blends the beauty of nature with home comforts. Since it is fitted with a glass façade, you are able to look out onto the landscape in any type of weather without having to actually venture outdoors. This is the perfect option for someone who loves nature but lives in extreme weather conditions. You can observe without being affected. The versatility of this room allows you to customize it to whatever you want. It can have any number of uses and is especially good for entertaining or family.

The canopy will ensure a certain degree of privacy without blocking out that extra light. It could also become a short walk through your garden to your work place if you intend using it as a home office. This will allow you to get far away from the stress and noise of your home and create a space for your productivity. You can also relax on the decking of this room on those hot summer days. Canopies can have fitted down lights which means you can remain outside after dark. Winter or summer, regardless of what the weather does you can still be comfortable.

The concave garden rooms are a great choice for a home office because they create a sense of calm with the natural lighting, minimises distractions so that you have the perfect atmosphere to work in. It offers you all the features of a canopy type room but has added privacy. It provides a tranquil space surrounded by decking where you can chill out peacefully.

Cube garden rooms are those you can customize according to your desires. Your decking area is optional if you are interested in a lounging space that is outdoors. This is a brilliant outdoor living room where you can choose to be creative in maximum natural light that is airy and inspirational.

Having a room of your own that looks out onto the great outdoors, a space where you can relax, work or play without being disturbed can be the best gift you could give yourself. Everyone needs a space and time where they can be alone. These rooms can also be a space that you share with someone special or only your loved ones. There are may designs to choose from and it is always a good idea to do a little research beforehand so that you never make the mistake of choosing style over quality. The product you choose must have no compromise on performance. You want the end result to be a reflection of your style and taste, while it also needs to last.

Best ways to improve the appearance of your garden

photo-1422065669922-919f6097e3dbThe Garden – A Key Part of the House!

Introduction.

The garden is a key part of every single home. In the autumn and winter months, it can become a haven for cosy days and evenings. Crunching leaves under your feet, rushing around in the snow or dancing out in the rain. Spring and summer arrive and flowers are in full bloom. Sitting outside sipping cold lemonade, or having an al fresco meal with friends.

Used throughout the year and by every household member, we can always improve the appearance of our beloved garden. This post will give you some ideas on how.

Flowers.

Flowers are an extremely effective way of transforming any outdoor space. For grassy areas, create beds and for patios, add varied sizes of plant pot. The fabulous thing about flowers, is there are literally hundreds of types and colours to choose from. You can create all sorts of designs! It is also useful that you can choose to plant by seed, for extra satisfaction from growing things yourself. Or buy them ready grown giving you an instant transformation.

Pots.

Pots can be extremely ornate! They come in various designs and vary in price. Mixing coloured pots of different sizes, will give any patio area a beautiful focal point.

Edging and borders.

Decorative edging can be found in all good DIY shops, and can help bring peoples attentions to vegetable or flower plots. Stones, bark, solar lights and small fence posts can all be used. Put them around your flower beds to create an enclosed space and provide definition.

Upkeep

Water your flowers, feed your vegetables and nourish your soil regularly. This will ensure everything is consistently looking its best. Yes it can be a tiresome job, but mowing the lawn really does make a difference to how your outdoor space looks.

Extras.

This is where you can make any space unique! Ponds, waterfalls, stepping stones, the only limit is your imagination. Put a fairy door into an existing tree trunk to add some magic, a naughty gnome hiding in the corner, or even an outdoor ornamental butterfly hanging in a tree.

Conclusion.

Above only a few ideas are listed, but there are many more for you to discover. The internet has a wealth of hints, tips and products for every outdoor space and size. Grass or patio, flat or steeped, your garden can be made to look as unique and fantastic as you like.

Do some research, draw up your plans, then get outside and above everything, have fun!

Why add a garden room or a veranda to your home

Beautiful terrace lounge with pergola and wooden table with chairsAdding a garden room or a veranda to your home is one way amongst many ways of revamping a house. A garden space is an extension of the main house with a solid roof and consists of three exterior walls. A veranda can be built against the exterior of the house or can be bought as free standing. There are various reasons as to why adding a veranda or garden space to your home is important.
A veranda or garden room adds extra space to your home. As a matter of fact, a garden space offers security since it comes with a lock which can be used to secure the house. Verandas and garden spaces add extra space since they are like an extension of the home. They can also act as storage spaces since they have the extra space and are also safe and secure since they have lockable locks. Apart from offering space, they offer extra light since the garden space is made of glass. It is like a big glass window outside the house thus the extra amount of light.
Garden room and verandas also add value to a home as a property. This is because of the extra space it gives thus giving out the illusion that the house has many spaces and space. This comes in handy in case the house is to be placed on the market since it rises to over ten percent. Garden spaces and verandas can be used all year despite the time of the year or the climate.
One can enjoy outdoors activities like eating breakfast or reading a book in a garden space or veranda no matter the climate. This is because they shelter people from cold, rain and high winds which would otherwise make sitting outside and doing certain activities impossible. This adds more value to the home since one can get the benefits of a garden throughout the year without experiencing the adverse effects of climates for example winter.
The sheltering effects of the garden space or veranda also bring with it privacy benefits. Privacy is brought about by the garden space or veranda’s solid roof structure. One gets to enjoy fresh air while still maintaining their privacy. In addition to this, garden spaces and verandas are cheaper than a traditional conservatory. Garden spaces can be built without the use of professional help, unlike conservatories which need professionals to build which is time-consuming and a bit expensive. This also makes garden spaces and verandas cheap and hassle free which is a good aspect of home improvement. Garden spaces and verandas are a good home addition as they also add beauty to the house. The garden space has flowers and nice smells of different flowers and trees. The scenery is beautiful thus therapeutic and mind relaxing. The various colours of the flowers, small trees, and bushes can brighten moods and change a bad day to a good one instantly.