Garden rooms have become the must-have home addition for homeowners looking to create extra space without the hassle of moving house. These versatile structures serve as home offices, gyms, studios, or simply peaceful retreats at the bottom of the garden. With their growing popularity, it’s no wonder that many people are curious about their flexibility and permanence.
One question we’re frequently asked at Garden Rooms 365 is whether a garden room can be moved once it’s been installed. Perhaps you’re considering relocating your garden room to a different spot in your garden, or maybe you’re worried about leaving it behind when you move house. It’s a perfectly reasonable concern, especially given the investment involved.
The short answer is no—professionally installed garden rooms cannot be moved once they’re in place. But before you let this put you off, there are compelling reasons why this permanence is actually a significant advantage rather than a limitation.
Why garden rooms can’t be moved
When Garden Rooms 365 installs a garden room, we don’t simply plop a shed down on your grass and call it a day.
Our installations are comprehensive, permanent structures designed to last for decades. Here’s why they can’t be relocated:
Concrete foundations
Every professionally installed garden room begins with a solid concrete base. This foundation is poured and set specifically for your chosen location, taking into account drainage, ground conditions, and local building requirements. The concrete base becomes an integral part of the structure, providing stability and protection from damp. Once set, it’s there to stay.
Plastered interior
A plastered interior adds a touch of sophistication and refinement to any garden room, creating a finished, polished look that rivals traditional home interiors. This solid, seamless surface provides excellent insulation and soundproofing, enhancing comfort and usability regardless of the season. However, this high-quality finish also means that the garden room is designed to be a permanent structure. Attempting to move it would compromise the integrity of the plasterwork, resulting in cracks and damage. Instead, the permanence of a plastered interior ensures that the garden room remains a durable and reliable addition to your property for years to come.
Steel frame construction
Garden rooms use robust steel frames that are bolted directly into the concrete foundation. These connections are permanent and designed to withstand decades of weather, ground movement, and everyday use. Attempting to remove these connections would likely damage both the frame and the foundation.
Utility connections
Most modern garden rooms include electrical installations for lighting, heating, and power sockets. Many also incorporate plumbing for water features, kitchenettes, or even full bathrooms. These utilities are connected to your home’s main systems through underground cables and pipes. Disconnecting and relocating these services would be complex, expensive, and potentially dangerous.
Weatherproofing and insulation
Professional garden rooms are fully insulated and weatherproofed as integrated systems. The insulation, vapour barriers, and weatherproofing materials are installed as permanent fixtures that work together with the structure itself. This isn’t something that can be simply dismantled and reassembled elsewhere.
Alternatives for those wanting flexibility
If you’re concerned about permanence, there are alternatives worth considering, though they come with significant trade-offs:
Portable cabins or sheds offer some mobility but lack the comfort, insulation, and professional finish of a proper garden room. They’re typically not suitable for year-round use and won’t add value to your property.
Modular structures can sometimes be relocated, but they’re often more expensive initially and may not offer the same level of customisation or build quality as permanently installed garden rooms. They also often don’t make use of modern foundation systems which can impair their ability to withstand strong gusts.
However, before settling for a compromise, consider the substantial benefits that come with choosing a permanent installation.
The advantages of permanent garden rooms
The fact that garden rooms can’t be moved isn’t a drawback—it’s actually one of their greatest strengths. Here’s why:
Superior build quality
Because permanent garden rooms don’t need to be portable, they can be built to much higher standards. The concrete foundation provides excellent thermal mass and prevents damp issues. The steel frame construction offers superior strength and longevity compared to portable alternatives.
Year-round comfort
Permanent installations allow for proper insulation, heating systems, and weatherproofing that make your garden room comfortable in all seasons. You’ll have a space that’s genuinely usable throughout the year, not just during mild weather.
Unlimited customisation
When you’re not constrained by the need for portability, the design possibilities are endless. You can include features like built-in storage, custom lighting, specialised flooring, and even bathroom facilities. The result is a space that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.
Professional appearance
Permanent garden rooms look and feel like natural extensions of your home. They enhance your property’s appearance and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Does a garden room increase the value of a house?
This is perhaps the most compelling reason to choose a permanent installation. Yes, a professionally installed garden room does increase the value of your house, often by more than the cost of the installation itself.
Estate agents consistently report that properties with garden rooms sell faster and for higher prices than similar properties without them. The additional living space, the versatility of use, and the appeal to potential buyers who work from home all contribute to this increased value.
When you move house, you’re not losing your investment—you’re passing on a valuable asset that makes your property more attractive to buyers. Many house hunters specifically look for properties with garden rooms, recognising the convenience and potential they offer.
The return on investment for a garden room typically ranges from 70% to 100% of the initial cost, depending on the size, specification, and local property market. In some cases, particularly in areas where space is at a premium, the increase in property value can exceed the installation cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take a garden room with you when you move home?
No, professionally installed garden rooms cannot be dismantled and relocated to a new location. Once you have a garden room built, they become a permanent part of your property, much like an extension or conservatory.
What happens to my garden room when I sell my house?
Your garden room stays with the property and typically increases its value and appeal to potential buyers. Most estate agents view garden rooms as significant selling points.
Are there any garden buildings that can be moved without a new foundation?
Some basic portable cabins or sheds can be relocated, but these don’t offer the same comfort, insulation, or professional finish as permanently installed garden rooms.
Will a garden room add value to my property?
Yes, professionally installed garden rooms typically increase property value by 70-100% of their installation cost, and often make properties more attractive to buyers.
Do I need planning permission for a permanent garden room or garden office?
Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights and don’t require planning permission, though this depends on size, location, and local regulations.
Make the most of your garden space
While garden rooms can’t be moved once installed, this permanence is actually one of their greatest advantages. You’re not just buying a temporary structure—you’re investing in a high-quality addition to your home that will provide years of use and add significant value to your property.
The concrete foundations, steel frame construction, and professional installations that make garden rooms immovable are the same features that make them comfortable, durable, and valuable. When you choose a permanent installation, you’re choosing superior quality and long-term value over short-term flexibility.
Ready to explore how a garden room could transform your property?
Contact Garden Rooms 365 today for a free consultation, quote and to arrange a site survey. Our team will help you design the perfect space for your needs and show you exactly how a permanent garden room can enhance both your lifestyle and your property’s value.
Get in touch today if you require professional assistance and expert advice!
