Garden rooms are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners seek cost-effective ways to extend their living space without having to move house. In this guide, we dive deep into understanding how much garden room cost and what factors you need to consider.
Lockdown has played a significant role in this trend, with more people looking for ways to create additional space for work, leisure or accommodation. A garden room can be a versatile addition to any property, offering a unique alternative to traditional home extension methods.
Whether it’s a tranquil garden office, a yoga studio, or a self-sufficient annex, a garden room can be tailored to suit individual needs and budgets. While they may not add as much value to a property as a traditional extension or loft conversion, garden rooms require less investment, take less time to build and cause less intrusion – making them excellent value for money. For those seeking inspiration for their outdoor spaces, the garden channel offers a wealth of ideas to improve and enhance any garden.
How Much Will a Garden Room Cost?
The cost of a garden room can vary greatly depending on the materials used and the features included. Many brands offer construction and painting services, although this generally requires an additional fee. It is important to choose the right supplier and contractor to ensure that you get a quality building that will not cost you more in the long run.
Starting prices of garden rooms
A small garden room costs £12,000 – £14,000 plus VAT. A medium size garden room costs £15,000 – £18,000 plus VAT. A large garden room costs £18,000 – £22,000 plus VAT. These are just ballpark figures and should not be treated as the final quote.
To help set a budget for a garden room project, it is possible to look at a garden room manufacturer’s website or send them an initial email asking for a price, and they will give you a starting price for their buildings based on its footprint size. This guide explores the starting prices of popular garden room sizes.
It is important to note that these starting prices do not typically include the final electrical connection or any of the options you might choose to customise your new room.
When considering a garden room, it is important to find out what the garden room company needs you to do in order to be able to erect the building. Make sure you clearly understand all the costs associated. Prices can really rack up if you are not absolutely clear on what you might like as an optional extra. Some garden room companies use concrete foundations, which may or may not be included in the price.
Example for a cost of a garden room type
The average cost of installing a quality garden room is around £15,000 plus VAT for a complete and installed solution. The professional installation of base/foundations, 2.3m French or sliding doors, opening window, oak laminate flooring, internal wiring, 3 double plug sockets, lighting, heating and premium-grade insulation.
In summary, the garden room cost can vary greatly depending on the materials used and the features included. It is important to choose the right supplier and contractor to ensure that you get a quality building that will not cost you more in the long run.
How to Build a Garden Room on a Budget
Building a garden room on a budget can be a cost-effective way to add extra space to your home. One option is to adapt a garden shed to meet your requirements, but this may not be suitable for year-round use as it can be cold and require regular maintenance to prevent rotting.
To keep costs low, it is possible to lay a good-quality foundation yourself, but it is important to have reasonable skills. If you want electrics in your garden room, you will need to pay a qualified electrician, but digging the power cable trench to their specification in advance can help keep the cost down.
When it comes to construction materials, timber frames are a popular choice for garden rooms. They are lightweight, easy to work with and provide good insulation. Double glazing and underfloor heating can also help to keep your garden room warm and cosy.
To save money on professional installation, self-assembly kits are available for garden rooms. However, it is important to ensure that the kit includes clear instructions and all necessary materials.
In terms of finishes, painting the walls and adding landscaping can be a cost-effective way to enhance the look of your garden room. Ground screws can be a good alternative to concrete foundations, as they are quicker and easier to install.
Overall, building a garden room on a budget requires careful planning and consideration of materials, construction methods and finishes. With the right approach, it is possible to create a functional and stylish space that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
What’s Included in the Price of a Garden Room
When researching the market for garden rooms, it is important to note that different companies price their buildings in different ways. Some companies offer all the essentials in their starting price, while others list their prices minus key elements such as the foundation and electric package.
A growing trend in the garden room market is for companies to list a price for the installation of the weathertight exterior shell and offer other elements as optional packages. For example, they might offer a foundation pack, an insulation pack, an electrical pack, an interior lining pack, and more.
The prices gathered for the price survey include the foundation and electrics (not the final electrical hook-up). However, it is helpful to put together a list of project elements and whether they should be included in the starting price. This will help when comparing options.
Here is a list of project elements and whether they are included in the starting price:
| Project Element | Included in Starting Price? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VAT | Usually | Most companies quote prices that include VAT. Companies that don’t can appear more affordable at first. |
| Delivery | Partly | Delivery within a radius of the company’s workshop is typically included in the base price. Charges apply beyond this radius, based on mile or postcode area. |
| Installation | Usually | Most of the garden room market includes building installation in their quotes. However, some pre-designed ranges quote installation as an optional extra. |
| Foundations | Usually | Thanks to the rise of groundscrew and plinth foundations, most manufacturers include this in the starting price. However, some either price it separately or require you to organise it with another firm before they arrive. |
| Insulation | Almost Always | Insulation in the floor, walls, and roof is a defining feature of garden rooms. About 90% of garden rooms are sold fully insulated. Some companies offer insulation as an optional extra. |
| Doors & Windows | Usually | The base price usually covers a standard door and window setup, typically of house-quality uPVC. Changing the standard configuration may alter the price. |
| External Cladding | Usually | The starting price typically includes external cladding, which could be an entry-level finish like Redwood or a standard finish like Cedar, depending on the company. |
| Roof Covering | Usually | The starting price generally includes roof covering, with common finishes being insulated steel panels and EPDM membranes. Some companies offer asphalt as the standard, with upgrade options to EPDM. |
| Lighting & Power Sockets | Almost Always | Most garden rooms include the wiring for lighting and power points in their price. Yet, an increasing number of companies are excluding them as standard, opting to offer them as an upgrade. |
| Electrical Hook-up | Sometimes | Many garden room companies offer the final electrical connection as an optional add-on or require you to arrange it with a local electrician. Companies providing full services often include this in their quotes. |
| Data Cabling | Not Often | Some companies include data cabling for internet in their starting price, especially those offering turnkey services. More commonly, it’s seen as an optional extra. |
| Heating | Sometimes | Some companies include an electric panel heater in their starting price, with upgrade options available. Others don’t include any heating as standard, but heating will be essential for colder days. |
| Interior Lining | Almost Always | Most garden rooms have an interior lining, ranging from unpainted MDF boards to high-spec plastered finishes. However, a growing trend is to offer this lining as an optional extra, suitable for those considering DIY. |
| Flooring | Almost Always | Most garden room prices include laminate flooring and skirting boards. Some companies, however, offer only a boarded finish, with options for flooring upgrades. |
By understanding what is included in the starting price of a garden room, customers can make informed decisions about which option is best for their needs and budget.
Will A Garden Room Add Value to My Home?
Adding a garden room to a property can increase its value by increasing the square footage of the living space. The value added can be up to 1.5 times the cost of the installation, depending on the quality of the build. The convenience value of having extra space is also significant and must be considered for homeowners.
It is important to note that the quality of the building itself also adds significant value. Homeowners should aim for a high-quality build to ensure that the garden room adds maximum value to their property. However, it is essential to check planning permission and building regulations before installing a garden room. In some cases, a traditional extension may be a better option.
Overall, a garden room can add value to a property if it is built to a high standard and fits within the permitted development guidelines.
How A Garden Room Can Add Value
Garden rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years as a cost-effective and convenient way to add extra space to a property. They provide an excellent alternative to traditional methods such as extensions and loft conversions, which can be more expensive and time-consuming. By adding a garden room, homeowners can create a dedicated space for a variety of purposes without sacrificing valuable living areas inside the house.
One of the most desirable benefits of a garden room is the creation of a dedicated home office. With remote working becoming more common, having a separate workspace away from the distractions of the main house is highly desirable. A garden room provides a physical and mental separation between work and home life that can be essential for productivity and wellbeing.
In addition to home offices, garden rooms can also be used for a variety of other purposes, such as garden bars, games rooms, and even gyms. With the right imagination and budget, the potential uses for a garden room are vast.
Investing in a bespoke garden room can also add value to a property. A garden room can add up to 1.5 times its value to a home, depending on the quality of the build and installation costs. Contemporary garden rooms are particularly desirable and can provide an excellent return on investment.
In summary, a garden room can add value to a property in several ways, including creating a dedicated workspace, providing additional living space, and increasing the property’s overall appeal. With the right design and installation, a garden room can be an excellent investment for homeowners looking to add extra space and value to their property.
How Much Does A Garden Office Cost?
Garden office prices start at £12,000 plus VAT internal measured building, which is perfect as a garden office pod for one person to work in. The smallest garden offices cost £21,995, and prices increase based on the increased size of the building or additional upgrades you might want.
The largest garden offices cost approximately £18,000 to £22,000 plus VAT. Between the smallest and largest sizes, there are many configurations to choose from, with measurements increasing in modular half metre increments so that you can find a size to fit your space and needs perfectly.
Most garden offices cost on average between £12,000 to £18,000 plus VAT depending on the size and upgrades you choose.
How Much Does A Garden Gym Room Cost?
If you are looking to add a garden gym room to your home, you may be wondering how much it will cost. Bespoke insulated garden gyms typically start from £12,000 plus VAT. These fully insulated garden rooms are available in both modular and bespoke sizes and are fully customisable to suit your needs.
They come complete with lighting and an internet connection and are suitable for a variety of uses. Additionally, the roof height can be increased to accommodate lifting weights above your head. Prices may vary depending on the specific features and customisations chosen.
Is A Garden Room Worth the Cost?
A garden room can be a valuable addition to a home, providing extra space for a variety of uses such as a home office, gym, or studio. While the cost of a garden room varies depending on several factors, including size and location, it is important to consider whether it is worth the investment.
TV presenter and property expert Sarah Beeny believes that a garden room is a great way to make use of outdoor space and add value to a property. However, it is important to consider how and when the garden room will be used. If it is intended for year-round use, it is important to choose a design that is well-insulated and heated, with thermal glazing and good U values.
When considering the cost of a garden room, it is important to weigh up the value for money. While it may be an expensive investment, it can add significant value to a property and provide extra space that can be used in a variety of ways. It is also worth considering the cost of alternative options, such as sacrificing a bedroom for a home office or gym, which may not provide the same level of flexibility and functionality as a garden room.
Overall, a garden room can be a worthwhile investment for those who are looking to add extra space to their home and make use of outdoor space. It is important to carefully consider the design, insulation, and heating options to ensure that it is a functional and comfortable space to use throughout the year.
Want A Free Garden Room Quote?
Here at A-Spec Ltd we provide bespoke all-in-one garden room packages that include free quotations, planning and consultation. If you would like to speak to one of our team then please contact us today!
