Garden Summer Houses

A summer house from Atlas Sheds is a small, detached building designed to provide a comfortable and attractive space for outdoor relaxation and entertainment during the summer months.

Our summer houses are typically made from high-quality timber and come in various sizes and designs to suit customer preferences. 

Some of our summer houses feature multiple rooms, while others are more open-plan, with plenty of windows and doors to let in natural light and provide views of the surrounding outdoor space.

There are countless advantages to owning a summer house, including (but not limited to!):

• Additional Living Space: A summer house can benefit those with limited room. They provide extra living space away from the home where guests and families alike can relax all year round. 
• Versatility: Depending on your needs and preferences, you can transform your summer house into a luxury home office or gym to a guest room or children's play area.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Summer houses can add a charming and attractive element to your garden or backyard.

Privacy: A summer house can provide a private retreat away from your property, allowing you to have some quiet time or entertain guests without interruption.

Summer houses can serve a wealth of purposes for owners:

• Relaxation: Many people use summer houses to relax and unwind, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of their backyard and the fresh air. 
• Workspace: A summer house can be used as a home office or studio, providing a quiet and separate space to work or pursue hobbies.

Storage: Some people use summer houses for storage, keeping outdoor equipment, tools, gardening supplies or outdoor furniture protected from the elements.

In the UK, planning permission is not always required for a summer house, but certain conditions must be met to avoid needing planning permission.

If the summer house meets the following criteria, it is generally considered to be permitted development and does not require planning permission:

• The summer house is located within the property’s boundary and is not taller than 4 metres (or 3 metres if it has a flat roof).
• The summer house does not cover more than 50% of the total land area around the original house.
• The summer house is not used as living accommodation and is used for recreational purposes only.
• The summer house is not located in a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty, a national park, or a site of historical interest.
• The summer house doesn’t have a raised platform or veranda of more than 30cm above ground level.

It's important to note that these guidelines may vary depending on the specific location and circumstances, and it's always best to check with your local planning authority to confirm whether planning permission is required for your summer house project.

We offer summer houses with varying insulation levels: that’s why the warmth of the summer house in winter may depend on the specific model you choose.

Some of our products come with extra insulation, double-glazed windows, and draft-proofing to make them suitable for year-round use, even in colder temperatures. These features help retain heat inside the summer house, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient during winter.

Alongside insulation and draft-proofing, you could invest in additional heating options, such as portable heaters or underfloor heating, if you plan to use your summer house for lengthy periods in colder temperatures.

Yes, it is possible to use your summer house in a bedroom. However, this may require planning permission and must comply with building regulations. 

If you plan to use the summer house as a bedroom or any other living accommodation, it will likely be considered a separate dwelling and require planning permission. It would no longer be a ‘temporary structure’ and would significantly impact the surrounding environment.

Additionally, the summer house must meet specific building regulations, like those surrounding insulation, heating, ventilation, and fire safety. It must also have access to running water and sewage facilities. 

Yes, you can put a toilet in a summer house in the UK. However, it will need to meet building regulations and planning requirements.

If you plan to install a toilet in your summer house, you require sufficient running water and access to sewage facilities. You may also need to consider issues such as ventilation, insulation, and heating, to ensure the toilet is safe and comfortable.

When it comes to planning permission, toilet installation may not require planning permission if it is considered a permitted development. However, it's always best to check with your local planning authority to confirm any planning requirements.

Whether a summer house adds value to your property depends on specific circumstances and buyers' preferences.

It's always best to consult with a qualified estate agent or property valuer to get an accurate assessment of how a summer house may impact the value of your property.

When the warmer months roll in, you’ll want to keep your summer house a relaxing, airy retreat by using the following techniques:

• Use fans: A ceiling or a portable fan can help circulate air and create a cooling breeze.
• Use shading: Blinds, curtains, or shades can help block out the sun's rays and keep the interior of your summer house cooler.
• Use a portable air conditioning unit: A portable air conditioning unit can help keep the temperature inside your summer house comfortable during hot weather.

A summer house from Atlas Sheds can cost anywhere from £900 to £10,000, depending on various factors, such as the size, material, style, and additional features.

The size of the summer house is one of the most significant factors that can affect the cost. The bigger the summer house, the more expensive it will be. At Atlas Sheds, we offer summer houses in various sizes, ranging from 6'x6' to 20'x10'. The larger the summer house, the more materials and labour are required, resulting in a higher cost.