Can I include plumbing or use it as a bedroom/guest space?

Garden Room FAQs: Plumbing, Guest Use & Everything You Need to Know

Garden rooms are one of the most flexible ways to add space to your home. Whether you want a dedicated home office, a peaceful studio, or a guest room for family and friends, a garden room gives you the freedom to expand your living space without the hassle of a traditional extension. At Cabin Master, we often get asked the same big questions before customers invest in one of our bespoke garden rooms: Can I include plumbing? Can I use it as a guest bedroom? Do I need planning permission? So - let’s discuss everything you need to know about how a garden room can work for you, including practical considerations for plumbing, regulations, and design choices...

Can I Include Plumbing in a Garden Room?

The short answer is yes - you can have plumbing in a garden room. Many customers choose this option when they want to:

• Add a toilet or shower room for convenience
• Install a small kitchenette or bar area
• Run a home salon or therapy space that requires sinks
• Future-proof their building for guest accommodation

Planning on including plumbing in your garden room? Here are the key considerations:

Water Supply

Drainage

Building Regulations

Heating & Hot Water

 If you’re adding a shower or kitchen sink, you’ll need hot water. Options include: instant water heaters, electric boilers or an extension of your home’s hot water system.
Essentially, having a garden room with plumbing is absolutely possible. However, it must be planned with professional installation. Your garden room with plumbing may need building regulations compliance, so be sure to speak to the experts before taking the plunge. 

At Cabin Master, our team of garden building experts are on hand to guide you through the entire process of designing and installing your perfect garden room with plumbing should you require it. 

Can I Use My Garden Room as a Bedroom or Guest Space?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer depends on how you intend to use the space...

For Occasional Guest Use

Yes, your garden room can be a comfortable guest room for visitors if it’s insulated, heated, and properly ventilated. Many customers choose sofa beds, futons, or Murphy beds to create a flexible dual-purpose room (e.g. office by day, bedroom at night).

For Regular or Permanent Bedroom Use

If you want to use your garden room as a permanent bedroom, there are extra considerations:

• Planning permission may be required, as it changes the classification of the building.
  
  
• Building regulations apply for safety (fire escapes, structural integrity, electrics, insulation).
  
  
• You’ll need access to bathroom facilities either within the garden room or nearby.
  
  

Things to Consider for Sleeping in a Garden Room

• Insulation & Heating – All Cabin Master garden rooms are insulated, but you’ll also want to think about the best heating solution for year-round comfort. We do offer the option of air source climate control so you can heat, cool, or dehumidify your garden room as you please!

• Ventilation – Prevents condensation and ensures healthy air quality.

• Safety – Smoke alarms, safe electrics, and proper exits are important for overnight stays.

• Furnishings – A fold-down bed or sofa bed works well for multi-use.

In short: occasional guest use is fine, but permanent residential use may require permissions and upgrades.

What about Annexe Buildings?

You can create the ideal space in your garden which can be used as a bedroom or guest space (with plumbing!) with a Cabin Master garden annexe.

Our annexes provide a stylish, self-contained solution for guest accommodation, independent living, or multigenerational households. You choose the layout, features, and finishes to suit your needs, all with full insulation and year-round comfort.

An annexe is very much like a single-storey house built to meet current building regulations, just like a new build property. The main difference is that we build our garden living rooms around a structural timber frame instead of traditional bricks and mortar. This construction method is sustainable and incredibly versatile.

A garden bedroom provides the ideal solution for anyone looking to create additional living space in their existing garden. Traditionally, people have referred to these buildings as ‘granny annexes.’ While they are perfect for elderly relatives who want to downsize or move closer to family, they also offer a great option for young adults seeking independence without the expense of a traditional first home. At Cabin Master, we partner with NAPC, experts in obtaining planning permission for annexes, and work closely with them throughout the entire design process to ensure your building meets regulation standards.

What’s Included in a Cabin Master Garden Room?

When you choose to work with Cabin Master to design and install your perfect garden room, a lot comes as standard, including:

• Foundations and base

• Full insulation (walls, roof, and floor)

• Premium cladding options (cedar, larch, Marley Board)

• Double-glazed windows and doors

• Full electrics (lighting, sockets, consumer unit)

• Professional flooring and internal painting

This means your garden room is ready to use immediately - no hidden extras. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a garden office with a toilet, a studio with a kitchenette, or a cosy guest room for family, Cabin Master can create a bespoke garden building to suit your lifestyle.

Our garden rooms are fully insulated, customisable, and built to last - with the option to include plumbing, heating, and layouts tailored to your needs.

Ready to explore your options? Visit one of our Midlands show sites to see a wide range of garden rooms, garden buildings and even our building regulations compliant annexe building, showcasing how you can create a space with plumbing perfect for guest accommodation or residency. You can also get in touch with our team today to ask any questions and start planning your dream garden room.

FAQs

Q: Can I add a bathroom to my garden room?
Yes, with plumbing and drainage installed, you can add a toilet or full bathroom.

Q: Can my teenager use a garden room as a bedroom?
Occasional use is fine, but permanent use may require permissions. Safety, heating, and ventilation must be considered.

Q: Do garden rooms work in winter?
Yes, with full insulation and heating, they’re warm and comfortable year-round.

Q: Can I build a garden room in a small garden?
Yes, designs can be made compact to suit your available space.

Q: How long does installation take?
Most rooms are built in just a few days once the base is ready.