Latest research conducted by Origin has unearthed a trend taking over homes up and down the country – the creation of ‘outrooms’.
What is an outroom?
Located in the space between the home and garden, an outroom is created through the installation of folding, sliding doors. These doors help extend the use of the property and is perfect for adding value without the need for a structural extension. Interiors experts and influencers, such as Hygge for Home, have been using the outroom to create additional living space and, it seems, the trend has caught on.
This year, the number of people searching for terms associated with outdoor living reached a record high. Searches for ‘outdoor rug’ (34%+), ‘outdoor cushions’ (33%+) and ‘outdoor sofa’ (18%+) peaked, while people looking for a ‘garden sofa’ have gone up 125%.
It seems the nation is now fully embracing outdoor living in a way that has never been done before.
How does an outroom improve a property and unlock the living potential of a home?
An outroom can add a huge amount of functional living space to a home; whether that’s an additional seating area, dining room or even a second kitchen. While approximately 90 percent of homes in Britain have a garden, the time spent actively living in this space is limited.
According to Origin customers, an outroom will change the way you use the space between the home and garden. In fact, 94 percent said they use the space differently now they have bi-folding doors, while 98 percent said it has made their home feel larger.
Does an outroom add to the value of a property?
According to Emoov.co.uk, an outroom can add up to 6% to the overall value of a property.
We asked Founder and CEO of Emoov.co.uk, Russell Quirk, to give a valuation on two separate floor plans. One did not have bi-folding doors installed, while the other included bi-folding doors and an outroom.
Property 1. Without bi-folding doors – approximate value £228,384
Property 2. With bi-folding doors and an outroom – approximate value £242,087
Russell Quirk explains the value added to the property:
“A combination of unaffordability and uncertain market conditions has seen an increase in the number of people building up, down and out, rather than upsizing to a new property.
“While basements and loft conversions are an obvious way to add value and space to your property, they can be expensive. So, extending into a garden space can also help boost your property potential, creating a stylish living space in the process.
“Living space commands a greater premium than bedroom space and using cost-effective tips such as bi-fold doors to create an outroom is an affordable way to add value to your home. While it is unlikely to push you into a higher price bracket, it can help you stand out from the crowd and, if done correctly, could add up to 6% to your property’s value.”
Join the conversation
Take a look at some of the best #Outroom and #OriginOutroom designs on social media or share your outroom plans with us! Join the conversation @originbifolds.
