In recent years a new trend has been gaining popularity – building a prefabricated room or bedroom on the terrace of a house. This is more common in urban areas, where space is more limited. In this blog we’ll look at the benefits of this solution, the construction process, legal considerations and some tips for choosing the best option for your space.
On the photo above: Caseta de jardín “Hansa Lounge” from Casetas de Jardin 24.
Optimized space
Terrace is a part of the building that often ends up not being used a lot. This means converting a part of it to a bedroom maximizes the use of the home. This is particularly valuable, since according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, in the first quarter of 2024, the average price of urban land has seen a year-on-year increase of 13%.1
Speed of the build
A prefabricated building can be completed significantly faster than a building started from scratch. This means they’re the ideal solution for people who are in urgent need of some additional space.
Versatility and customization
Prefabricated buildings are available in many different designs. You’ll find different sizes, styles and finishes that can be adapted to the needs and style of any home. In addition, the possibility to customize the design allows for a result that looks exactly like what you’ve envisioned in your head. Whether you want to add large windows or sliding doors, all aspects can typically be adapted to suit your needs.
Cost-effectiveness
Opting for a prefabricated extension is often more cost-effective. This is due to the reduction in construction time and efficient use of materials, which make for lower overhead costs. In addition, the prices for prefabricated buildings can be much more predictable, meaning you won’t have unpleasant surprises in the building process.
Reduced construction waste
Prefabricated buildings don’t generate much waste on the job site, as all parts arrive measured, cut and ready to be installed.
Here are the key steps to building a prefabricated room on a terrace:
Evaluate the space
Before you start your build, it’s important to first consider the space and possibilities. Think of the size of the room you want to build and how it will fit with the rest of the house. You also want to consider details like the orientation of the sun and how the new room will affect visibility.
Choose the supplier
It’s important to do your research and to choose a reputable manufacturer. Casetas de Jardin 24 offers a wide variety of options, including customized designs. Thanks to a personal approach and decades of experience, you can always count on finding the perfect solution just for you.
Design and planning
Once you’ve chosen a supplier you will work with them to design the home addition. In this step, you will finalize the design. This includes choosing the materials, finishes and functionalities. Make sure you have all the details in place, so you can avoid making any costly changes later on.
Getting necessary permits
It’s very important that before you start the construction, you have all the necessary permits. Check with the town hall of the local municipality to find out which conditions you need to meet.
Construction and assembly
Once you have all the necessary permits, it’s time to continue with the installation of the prefabricated addition. This work is often carried out by the supplier and is fairly quick, allowing you to enjoy your new space in a short time.
When you’re building on a terrace, there are some legal considerations you should be aware of to avoid problems down the line.
Depending on the autonomous community you live in and the type of work that is carried out, you may need to apply for a license. To build on a terrace you usually just need minor licences. In some cases, you may also need to provide a more detailed technical report.²
As we’ve already mentioned above, please do keep in mind that building regulations vary by autonomous community. It’s essential to check that the prefabricated garden room or building you’re installing is compliant with the safety, accessibility and structural requirements in your area.
It’s also important to look into the urban planning regulations that apply to your area. Some cities have restrictions on the height of the buildings or the total size of an addition. This can influence the design of the prefabricated room and the process of getting permission.³
One of the biggest benefits of choosing a prefabricated building, garden room or log cabin is the speed of the build. You can easily have a finished new bedroom or extension ready in a few weeks. In contrast, the average time to complete a renovation project in Spain is 2-3 months. ⁴
Cost is another key factor to consider. With traditional construction, it’s often more challenging to control the costs. Unforeseeable expenses can often pop up, suddenly increasing the costs. One of the benefits of prefabricated buildings is that there aren’t variables to the cost, so you know you can remain within your original budget.
Traditional buildings may be less flexible when it comes to design and modifications during the building process. Prefabricated rooms on the other hand offer a lot of freedom in customizing the building from the start.
Before you make your decision thing about how you will be using teh room. Do you need an extra bedroom, a study or a hobby room? When you understand your needs you can easily choose the right design.
Don’t hesitate to ask about options to customize the design. One great advantage of prefabricated rooms is the option to easily adjust existing designs.
Make sure that you choose a manufacturer with good warranty conditions. Getting a warranty is an indication of the quality of the materials and workmanship. It will also give you peace of mind. At Casetas de Jardin 24, all our garden buildings come with a 5 year guarantee, reinforcing our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Building a prefabricated room on your terrace is a practical and efficient solution if you’re looking to optimise space in your home. Many people choose prefabricated buildings due to the speed of construction, reduced cost and the possibility of customisation. As a side note, don’t forget to consider the legal aspects when building an extension. Make sure to get all the necessary permits before starting the project.
If you are ready to take this step, don’t hesitate to contact Casetas de Jardín 24 by calling 952 130 298. Our helpful team is delighted to help you design and build the perfect extension on your terrace. Transform your space into a functional and comfortable place today!
Sources:
https://publicaciones.transportes.gob.es/observatorio-de-vivienda-y-suelo-boletin-num-49-primer-trimestre-2024
https://www.myaedes.com/es/blog/licencia-de-obra-novedades-2023/
https://cursourbanismo.es/video-1-las-normas-en-espana-en-materia-de-urbanismo/
https://www.eleconomista.es/vivienda-inmobiliario/noticias/11856039/07/22/Las-reformas-de-viviendas-se-encarecen-un-30-en-el-ultimo-ano-.html
