Garden rooms are big business these days. They offer a great, cost-effective way to add additional living or work space to our homes. With so many more people working from home lately, the garden room market has skyrocketed. But unfortunately, so has crime, and garden rooms are a prime target. So if you already have one, or you’re planning to build and garden room, then you should think about increasing security.

If like me you have expensive equipment in your garden office or garden room then you’ll want to ensure it’s all protected and safe. Within this post, I want to outline some of the most important things you can do to improve your security to protect your things and your own safety. There are a number of things we can do around the home to protect and improve security that will prevent and deter thieves and opportunists from entering and taking your loved possessions.

I’ve been building garden rooms now for several years and the one thing I always look to improve is the safety and security of the structure as well as the access to the garden itself. That’s why I wanted to write this post. To help you think about and implement the right level of security for your own properties.

Garden room security risks

First off, let’s have a little look at the most common risks that could affect your garden room. Here are some types of risks we should all be aware of:

• Burglary or theft
• Vandalism
• Weather damage
• Fire

Here are some of the most common security weaknesses with garden rooms:

• Lack of strong locking mechanisms
• Poorly secured windows and doors
• Inadequate lighting
• Absence of surveillance or alarm systems

Key steps to improve garden room security

When it comes to burglary and theft there are a number of things we can do to improve the security of a garden room and the surrounding area. We can also improve our own safety with a few of these key ideas. Let’s take a look.

Upgrade doors, windows and locking mechanisms

Most garden rooms will be constructed with UPVC doors and windows which offer a reasonable amount of security. But you can opt for something more substantial. Composite doors are considered the toughest materials for single or patio-style doors. So if you currently have UPVC doors and windows, consider the switch to a composite door manufacturer.

The same applies to the locking mechanisms on your doors and windows. You might have the toughest composite doors on the market but if they aren’t teamed up with a suitable security lock then they lose all their value. You can have your existing locks upgraded, rather than replacing a whole door. Speak to a professional locksmith company to see what they can offer. If you’re in the London area then Top Locksmith London offers this service. Take a look at their website for more information.

The final consideration when it comes to doors and windows is the glass. Whether you have double or triple-glazed units you should check to see if these are made with toughened safety glass. Toughened safety glass, sometimes known as tempered glass can be up to 5 times stronger than standard glass. Which makes it far more difficult to break when struck. Ensuring your doors and windows have tempered glass will add a further layer of security to your garden office.

Improve lighting

Proper lighting in your garden can greatly enhance its security by deterring intruders and providing a safer environment. Here are some ways in which lighting can improve security in your garden:

1. Illuminate dark areas: Installing lights in dark areas of your garden, such as along pathways or near entryways, can help prevent intruders from hiding in these areas.
2. Provide visibility: Adequate lighting can allow you to see any potential threats in your garden, such as intruders or hazards, and respond accordingly.
3. Deter intruders: Bright lights in your garden can act as a deterrent for intruders, who are more likely to target a property that is poorly lit.
4. Enhance surveillance: Installing security cameras in your garden is more effective if there is enough lighting to capture clear footage.
5. Promote safety: Lighting in your garden can also improve safety by illuminating pathways and steps, reducing the risk of tripping or falling.
6. Motion-activated lights: Installing motion-activated lights can provide a sudden burst of light if an intruder enters your garden, alerting you to their presence and scaring them away.

By incorporating proper lighting in your garden, you can create a safer and more secure outdoor environment. It’s important to consider the layout and design of your garden when planning your lighting, and to choose lights that are energy-efficient and durable enough to withstand the elements.

Prevent access to the garden

Another great way to prevent vandalism and burglary in our garden rooms is to prevent all access to the area. Some gardens might not always have this option but for those with enclosed boundaries there are a number of things we can do to prevent or deter access altogether.

• Stick up a sign – BEWARE OF THE DOG. Whether you have a dog or not, many burglars will be deterred by the thought of a dog attacking them. Therefore a simple sign on the wall, fence or gate will sometimes be enough.
• Increase fence or wall height: Most garden walls will have a 6ft restriction in place but if your wall is only 4ft high, consider building it up to the 6ft limit.

• Install fence spike toppers: Installing spikes on top of your fences will deter and prevent anyone from climbing over them. they might not look that aesthetically pleasing but should be enough to put thieves off.
• Use anti-climb paint on walls and fences. This none drying paint is perfect for painting areas where intruders are likely to try and access your garden. It can be applied to any surface type and deters potential thieves by making surfaces virtually unclimbable, whilst also marking their hands and clothing.
• Secure gates: Installing secure gates and ensuring they are locked at all times can also prevent unauthorised entry into your garden. Consider installing a gate with a locking mechanism, such as a keyed lock or electronic lock.
• If the above option isn’t feasible, consider increasing the number of bolts on your gate. Installing a lockable pad bolt is also another great option as it will prevent access into the garden as well as exit from the garden.
• Install trellis on top of fences. If spikes aren’t a viable option for you then consider installing trellis. This can increase the height of the fence and make it difficult to scale.

Add cameras and a security system

Surveillance and alarm systems are crucial components of garden room security. These systems can provide real-time monitoring and alert you in case of any unauthorised activity. Some home security systems even have live monitoring security guards that will monitor and warn the perpetrator in your place, so you don’t even have to be involved. Here are some ways in which surveillance and alarm systems can enhance the security of your garden room:

1. Security cameras: Installing security cameras in and around your garden room can provide 24/7 surveillance, allowing you to monitor activity and respond quickly in case of any threats. Consider installing cameras in strategic locations, such as near entryways or dark areas.
2. Motion detectors: Motion detectors can be integrated into your alarm system and trigger an alarm in case of any movement in your garden room. This can serve as an early warning system and alert you to potential threats.
3. Alarm systems: Installing an alarm system can provide an extra layer of security, alerting you and the authorities in case of unauthorised entry. Consider integrating the alarm system with your security cameras for comprehensive coverage. Systems that monitor motion, vibration and broken window or door seals are ideal.
4. Remote monitoring: Many modern surveillance and alarm systems can be accessed remotely, allowing you to monitor your garden room from anywhere at any time. This can be particularly useful if you’re away from home for extended periods of time.

By incorporating surveillance and alarm systems into your garden room security measures, you can stay informed and respond quickly in case of any threats. It is important to choose systems that are reliable, user-friendly and can be easily integrated with your existing security measures. We’ve been using a Eufy Video doorbell and security system for all-around protection on our property.

Install smart smoke detectors

Smart smoke detectors can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of your garden room. Here’s how smart smoke detectors can help:

1. Early detection: Smart smoke detectors use advanced sensors to detect smoke and alert you in case of a fire. This early detection can provide enough time for you to evacuate the garden room and take necessary measures to extinguish the fire.
2. Remote notifications: Many smart smoke detectors can send notifications to your smartphone or other connected devices in case of a fire. This allows you to stay informed and respond quickly, even if you’re away from your garden room.
3. Integration with other devices: Smart smoke detectors can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart lights and smart locks, to provide a comprehensive security solution. In case of a fire, the smart smoke detector can trigger other connected devices to take action, such as turning on lights to guide you to safety or unlocking doors to facilitate evacuation.
4. Automated response: Some smart smoke detectors can also be programmed to automatically call the fire department in case of an emergency. This can provide an extra layer of security and ensure that help arrives as soon as possible.

By incorporating smart smoke detectors into your garden room security measures, you can ensure the safety and protection of your home in case of a fire. It’s important to choose smoke detectors that are reliable, easy to use and can be easily integrated with your existing smart home system.

More ways to prevent theft and burglary

There are a few more areas worth considering when it comes to protecting your valuables and garden room. Some might seem obvious but are worth mentioning for total peace of mind.

• Hide valuables out of sight
• Turn lights off inside the building and close blinds
• Ensure you lock all doors, gates and windows
• Install gravel paths which make it difficult for intruders to go undetected.
• Check your home insurance covers your belongings in a garden room, especially any high-value items such as computers or audio/visual equipment.
• Ask neighbours to keep an eye out for suspicious activity if you are away from home.

Conclusion

Hopefully, I’ve covered a reasonable number of key factors to think about when protecting your garden room and its contents. If you have any other ideas please feel free to share them with me and others in the comments section below. Garden rooms have become an essential part of our homes and work life. To lose them or the equipment within them can be incredibly difficult and disruptive. Draw up a risk assessment of your setup and think about where you can implement stronger security to protect yourselves and your assets.