Nowadays, a garden room are becoming increasingly popular among UK homeowners as stylish and functional extensions of the home. These versatile spaces are perfect for work, entertainment, and relaxation. The best part? Creating garden rooms is easier than ever, thanks to customisable designs that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.
But what goes into garden room construction? This guide will take you through the entire process. Whether you plan to build it yourself or hire specialists, we’ve got you covered.
Planning Your Garden Room: 5 Key Steps to Follow
Like any home improvement project, proper planning is essential for a successful construction. Here are the key factors to consider:
Identify the Purpose
Answer questions like: What is your intention for using the space? Do you want to use it as a room for entertaining guests and family or transform it into a cozy home office? Maybe you’d prefer to convert it into a personal gym or a space for hobbies and recreation.
Garden Room Sizes
The next crucial aspect is deciding on a size that aligns with your needs. You also need to consider space availability. A compact garden requires a smaller structure, while a larger garden allows for expansive designs. Make sure your garden room plans are future-proof.
Choosing the Location
Next, find the right spot for garden room construction. Consider balancing accessibility and privacy. Weigh factors like:
- Proximity to utilities like electricity and water
- Sunlight exposure and natural lighting
- Existing pathways or the need to build new ones
- How well the garden building design complements your overall garden layout
Natural light is also a key factor when selecting the location.
Garden Building Design
This is another crucial factor to keep in mind. Once the location and size are decided, finalise a design that complements your garden and home. Consider:
- Construction materials
- Insulation and roofing
- Window and door styles
- Practical yet stylish interior and exterior elements
Ensure your room is both functional and visually appealing.
Permits and Garden Room Building Regulations
Ensuring compliance with local regulations & zoning laws is essential. You may need permits depending on the height, size, and proximity to the main property. Understanding building regulations for garden rooms will help you avoid legal complications.
If working with a contractor, provide them with detailed plans and review interactive 3D models to visualise the final result. Proper planning and execution will ensure your garden room is a seamless, valuable addition to your home.
A 6-Step Procedure for Creating Garden Rooms
The installation of garden rooms follows these key steps:
- Site Preparation
The first step involves clearing the site of obstacles and levelling the ground to prepare a solid foundation. - Base Construction
Next, the base is built using concrete, wooden posts, or other durable materials to ensure stability. - Wall and Roof Construction
Once the base is ready, the walls are assembled and installed, followed by the roof. - Utilities and Services
Essential utilities like water and electricity are integrated into the garden room’s design. - Interior Finishing
After the framework is complete, interior finishes are added. This includes insulation, drywall, painting, flooring (tiles, laminate, hardwood, or carpet), and ceiling work. Additional elements like lighting, cabinets, and shelves are installed.
Exterior Finishing
The final stage of building a garden room includes exterior enhancements like cladding, decking, and landscaping to enhance its aesthetics and functionality.
Choosing a Builder or Supplier for Garden Room Construction
DIY garden room construction can be challenging without the right expertise and tools. Hiring a professional builder or supplier is recommended. When selecting one, consider the following factors:
- Reputation & Experience
Research reputable companies specialising in garden room construction. Check customer reviews & testimonials to assess their track record and service quality. - Services Offered
Ensure the supplier provides comprehensive services, including design, planning, and construction. Consider available materials, such as wooden cabins or garden offices, and customisation options. - Material Quality
Opt for suppliers using durable, high-quality materials, preferably sourced sustainably. Pay attention to the standards of windows, doors, roofing, and hardware. - Customisation Options
The supplier should offer flexibility in design, layout, size, and additional features to align with your preferences and style. - Warranty & After-Sales Support
Check the warranty coverage and after-sales support, including policies on repairs, replacements, and maintenance. - Compare Quotes
Request quotes from multiple suppliers, comparing prices, service quality, and added benefits like installation and support. Trusted companies include Get A Tradesman, Smart Home Improvement People and Compare Companies.
Main Cost Factors in Garden Room Construction
The cost of creating a garden room can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
- Size: The size of the garden room is an important criterion. The larger the size, the higher the cost, as it needs more materials and labour.
- Materials: The choice of materials for the structure, walls, and roof will significantly affect the price. If you choose premium options like insulated glass or timber cladding, the cost is higher than that of basic alternatives.
- Design: Depending on the complexity of the garden building design, the cost can increase or decrease. Custom designs and features like skylights can increase the cost.
- Location: Depending on the location of the garden room, the cost may vary as per the local labour rates.
- Permits and Fees: Fees required for garden room building regulations will add to the overall cost.
Garden Room Average Costs
Well, estimating the exact cost of building an outbuilding or garden room isn’t straightforward, as it depends on various factors. However, in the UK, garden rooms measuring 3m x 3m and 5m x 3m are among the most popular sizes. On average, constructing a 3m x 3m garden room costs around £21,368, while a 5m x 3m garden room can cost approximately £26,928. These are just average figures, and actual costs may vary based on material choices, design complexity, additional features, and local contractor rates.
Additional Tips for Building an Outbuilding or a Garden Room
- Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple suppliers & builders to ensure the best value for your investment.
- Consider DIY: If you have the necessary skills and tools, building the garden room yourself can be a cost-effective option. However, it requires careful planning and significant time commitment.
- Plan Ahead: Scheduling the project in advance is especially important during peak seasons to avoid delays and ensure a smooth installation.
- Enjoy Your New Space: Once completed, personalise the space to fit your needs and preferences.
Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Garden Room Experience
Consider incorporating these additional features to truly maximise the potential of your garden room:
- Insulation: The room should be well-insulated to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year.
- Heating and Cooling: If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, install a heating and cooling system to make the garden room suitable for all seasons.
- Lighting: Proper lighting with fixtures helps create the desired ambience and ensures adequate illumination.
- Storage: Adding built-in closets and shelves can help keep the room organised.
- Décor: The theme and décor should reflect your personal style, making the space feel truly your own.
- Accessibility: Features like wheelchair ramps or wider doorways can make the space easily accessible for those with mobility limitations.
- Sustainability: Opt for eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features to reduce environmental impact.
- Multi-Purpose Functionality: Design the space to serve multiple purposes, such as an office, guest room, or entertainment area.
- Outdoor Connections: Large windows or sliding doors can create a seamless transition between the garden room and outdoor spaces.
- Maintenance: Using low-maintenance materials and design elements can help minimise upkeep efforts.
- Safety: Ensure the garden room complies with building regulations, including fire safety and electrical wiring standards.
- Community Engagement: If the space is meant for community activities, consider accessibility and inclusivity in the design.
- Future-Proofing: Plan for potential future renovations or expansions to accommodate changing needs.
Carefully planning and customising the garden room helps design a space personalised to your specific needs and preferences. It could be a home office, a gym, or a relaxation centre. Ensure you make meaningful choices in layout, materials, and features to align the space with your lifestyle.
