In this blog post, we're going to dive into the benefits of having a bathroom in your garden room, the different types of toilets you can install, where to install them, and more. So, let's get started!
Many people believe that you are not allowed to install toilets and showers in garden rooms. However, this is not true. You are allowed to install both electrical and plumbing systems in a garden room. The determining factor is the use of the building, not the equipment installed in it. If you intend to use the garden room as a self-contained living space, it must meet all building regulations. On the other hand, if you plan to use it for ancillary purposes such as a toilet in a garden office or a shower room for your swimming pool, it is allowed.
Since garden rooms are not regulated, the plumbing falls outside the scope of regulation. However, if the plumbing is connected to the sewers, it may require building control approval or may be considered minor works depending on the connection.
Picture this: you're enjoying your time in your garden room, working or reading a book, and suddenly you need to go to the toilet. The main house is too far away, and you don't want to interrupt your creative flow. Having a bathroom in your garden room can solve this problem! Adding a bathroom to your garden room can also have other benefits, such as:
For a full water mains installation, we dig a trench below ground that runs from your house to the garden room. Once there it can be connected to your toilet, basin, hot water storage and shower. A mains drain is required for this, which usually runs in the same service trench as the water, electrics and internet. You may need a pump system depending on the ground levels of your garden.
A toilet can be installed in almost any garden room, but there are certain types of garden rooms where it may be more beneficial to do so. These include:
No matter what your garden room is going to be used for, you could consider adding a toilet to serve as both a room toilet and a garden toilet. This can be achieved by installing two doors, one leading from the room and the other directly to the outside. This is commonly known as a "Jack and Jill" toilet room, and it is becoming increasingly popular. If the room is made slightly larger, it can also function as a changing room, which can be especially useful if the toilet is connected to a pool, hot tub, sauna, or exercise pool.
There are three primary options for installing basins and sinks in your garden room, and most people consider them essential when installing a toilet.
Whether you choose a fully plumbed-in sink or a grey water sink, both can include hot water. Typically, a small 10 to 15 L hot water cylinder holds hot water ready for you to use. Alternatively, if you have sufficient power, you can also use instantaneous hot water heaters, which are an efficient way to provide water for hand washing.
In addition to a toilet and basin, Bakers Garden Buildings can also offer expertise in installing showers in garden rooms. This can be especially useful if you plan to use your garden room as a poolside room or as a home spa, sauna, or hot tub room.
There are several factors to consider when installing a shower room, including the space it will take up, power requirements, and usage frequency to ensure it is a valuable addition. At Bakers, we typically recommend an electric shower as it heats the water on demand and is the most efficient way to have a shower in your garden room. However, in some instances, there may not be enough electrical availability for this type of shower, especially when linked with swimming pools and hot tubs. In these cases, we offer a hot water cylinder that heats water at a lower electrical demand.