Are you thinking about extending your home? It doesn’t have to be labour-intensive and pricey. If you have enough space in your garden, you can consider building a garden room or a backyard guest house. And with products like plastic shed bases, you’ll find it quicker and more cost-effective to construct such accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Here are eight tips to help make the process go a little more smoothly.

Determine the purpose of the room. Will the room be a space to be used as a home office? Or will it also accommodate guests who will spend the night or days in your home? Once you know what you're going for, it'll be easier to figure out the specifics — like how big the room should be and what amenities it should have.

Know your legal limits. Before you build the structure, check first if your local law indeed allows the construction of such. Are there limitations to the size of the room? Would you need to obtain permits first before proceeding with the project? Knowing such legalities and complying with them will save you money and resources.

Consider the size of your garden or backyard. Apart from legal limitations, the size of your ADU also depends on the available space on your property. Make sure that it’s proportional — make it too small and it will like it’s out of place; make it too big and make your exterior look cramped.

Use the right materials. Your choice of ADU materials can make or break its functionality and durability. But when selecting these, factor in your area's climate and the budget you have. Thanks to businesses that supply plastic bases and parking grids, it’s now easier to build these structures right outside your home.

Make sure they’re properly insulated and ventilated. Without proper insulation and ventilation, the people staying in your ADU will be uncomfortable. Apart from these elements, be sure to fit any dwelling space's basic features, such as electricity and water supply.

Equip it with space-efficient furniture. When choosing furniture for your ADU, they don’t just have to be stylish. They have to be primarily functional and space-saving. Unlike your home, your ADU will have a relatively smaller space, so be wise in selecting the pieces of furniture you’ll bring inside it.

Don’t forget to add the finishing touches. Give the room some personality by adding finishing touches, including paint, flooring, and decorations.

Keep your outdoor layout in mind. Don’t just focus on the garden room or backyard guest house itself. View the bigger picture and pay attention to your outdoor layout. Make the room accessible by installing pathways. If your space allows, you can even install parking grids and build an area where your guests can park their vehicles.

Get The Best Plastic Shed Bases Only From EcoDeck

Boasting an experience of over two decades, EcoDeck is one of the leading manufacturers of shed bases and parking grids in the UK. Designed and built to withstand heavy loads — all year round — their products are what you need to help you build a functional and durable garden room or backyard guest house. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.ecodeck.biz. For enquiries, reach out to them at [email protected], 01773 875255, or 07957 868809.