How much does a garden room cost? It’s commonly asked and you may be here now to understand costs. The truth is that garden buildings cover everything from a cheap garden shed to a house and prices will vary accordingly. This website and our show centre share how we differ from other garden buildings and why spending a little more on quality will mean better value for money long term.
How much does a garden room cost?
Low-rise buildings, sheds and entry-level garden rooms could be bought from £10,000 installed.
A popular 5m x 3m garden building will cost you between £25,000 and £50,000 depending on the specification and less if a lower specification or with elements such as a base or the interior completed by you.
A bespoke build may sound expensive but built to order, with no storage costs can cost less and deliver exactly what you want and need
When considering your budget, consider maintenance and heating costs as well as the life of the building.
Spending 50% more on a building that costs considerably less to heat, keeps to a more ambient temperature and lasts five times longer will be better valued long term.
Why do garden room prices vary so much?
Investing in better materials could mean twenty times the insulation of another and a building that could now last 100 years.
Another example is safety features. Fire retardant lights in a timber building might not be required but are for sure sensible. Don’t expect features such as these in a DIY-grade shed promoted as a low-cost home office.
In deciding what you want in a building you can either share your wishes and receive a price or work backwards and ask a supplier what they could deliver for your budget.
It is feasible that a tough electrical cable alone could cost £1000 to buy.
A flash show site, swish marketing, celebrity endorsement and sales staff may need paying for and guess who pays!
What is included in the price of a garden room?
This will depend on who you buy from. Many buildings are internet advertised and often have many addable options such as a base, electrics, and insulation, so always insist on a written specification of what is included for comparison.
Are there any hidden costs when purchasing a garden room?
As well as a vague specification or quote that could exclude items you consider as standard, we suggest allowing sums for decoration, furnishings and a path or decking laid outside for access once your building is up.
The only element of Building Regulations that applies to all buildings is electrics. Under these rules, the consumer unit (fuse box) in your house must meet current standards and be capable of supplying your building. If not, you may need to adapt or renew this unit.
Are garden rooms good value for money?
Extensions add value to a home but not always their full initial cost. Whereas the 10% value that a quality garden building could add often exceeds its cost, making them a good investment financially too. Loft and garage conversions add value too but add no new space, just convert from one use to another.
How will a garden room add value?
If you invest in a quality long life building we expect this to add up to 10% in value to your home. https://www.thepropertycentres.co.uk/blog/tips/3569-can-a-garden-office-really-add-value-to-your-home
Is a garden room worth the cost?
Your primary reason to invest will always be to complement your lifestyle first. Any financial return on a quality building is a welcomed bonus but secondary.
How can you build a garden room on a budget?
We suggest you ‘build for use’. If just for summer use or storage, then go for an uninsulated or low-specification design. This can avoid the use of plastered walls and claddings for big savings.
Ask if there are savings if using any supplier stock items (eg. a mismeasured set of doors) or if extra savings are available if you were flexible on when this is built.
You could find savings by clearing a site ready yourself. Call on friends and family to help with tasks.
What are the common faults of garden rooms?
Concrete bases may be cheaper but could allow the transfer of cold and damp that will rot any timber placed upon it. Just think about how sheds, fence posts and fence panels rot when they touch the floor. We recommend suspending the floor and building above any damp, cold areas with devices such as ground screws or elevated pads. This allows airflow below the building and allows any timber to breathe and stay dry.
Another issue that can arise is large areas of glass. While they may look beautiful, they can also let in a lot of heat. To combat this, it’s important to choose glass that both insulates and repels heat, such as an insulating glass with a beneficial “G” value. Internal blinds between the glazing can also reject heat before it enters the building. This will not only heat your building for free but will also work like a thermos flask by keeping the heat in when you need it. Using the right glass can also prevent wild fluctuations between hot and cold, creating a pleasant ambience and avoiding expensive air conditioning. Make sure to consider which windows face direct sunlight and use the correct glass to avoid overheating the building.
Using the best materials is also essential for a garden room that will last. While solid plastic cladding may be more expensive than a hollow version, it will stand up better to occasional impacts from objects such as footballs or lawnmower-propelled stones. Additionally, it’s crucial to get everything in writing before you buy. This will ensure that you know precisely what is included and avoid any misunderstandings down the line.
When planning your garden room, it’s important to research and ask to see accurate drawings before starting. Many buildings are made “ad hoc” on-site, so seeing accurate drawings beforehand can prevent misunderstandings later on. Consider your plans for specific furnishings inside and how the building will be built. A cladded building may look like a double-battened and cladded building, but one is designed to breathe and avoid dampness.
Consider regulations for planning and building before embarking on your project. Refer to a government portal such as https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/outbuildings/planning-permission rather than relying on the word of a salesman. Decide whether you want a low-cost, short-life structure or a building that will last. Agree on payment terms upfront and look for stage payments to avoid paying too much before the build starts or materials appear on-site. Timing is also essential, as garden rooms are best built before starting any major renovation work at home. This will provide a perfect quiet space for work or leisure during disruptive times. Finally, make sure to visit show sites or recent installations to see the level of service and craftsmanship before making your final decision. With solid walls internally, use soft furnishings to capture sound and reduce noise levels, creating a calm and peaceful environment.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about “How much do garden rooms cost?”
