How to build a garden room on a budget

If you’re looking to add an extra room to your home without spending a fortune, then you might want to consider building a garden room. Garden rooms are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a cost-effective way to additional space and year round functionality. But what exactly is a garden room?

Not to be confused with a garden shed, a garden room is simply an extra room that’s built outside your house, and, as the name suggests, usually in the garden. Garden rooms can be used for a variety of different purposes, such as extra bedrooms, playrooms, home offices or even just somewhere to relax.

Building a garden room is generally much cheaper than extending your house, as you won’t need to add any new foundations or walls. And, because garden rooms are usually built from timber, they’re also relatively quick and easy to construct.

5 Reasons to consider building a garden room

There are plenty of reasons to consider building a garden room, here are just a few:

Extra living space

If you’re looking for extra living space but don’t want to move house, then a garden room could be the ideal solution. Garden rooms can be used for a variety of different purposes, such as extra bedrooms, playrooms or even home offices.

Cost-effective

Garden rooms are usually much cheaper to build than extending your house, as you won’t need to add any new foundations or walls. And, because garden rooms are usually built from timber, they’re also relatively quick and easy to construct. They can also be made from recycled and sustainable materials. Choosing these means you could save money and will also lessen the impact on the climate.

Quick and easy to build

Unlike extensions, which can often take months to complete, garden rooms can usually be built in a matter of weeks. This makes them the perfect solution if you’re looking for extra space but don’t want the hassle and expense of a traditional extension.

Increased value

Garden rooms can also add value to your property, as they provide extra living space that potential buyers are always looking for.

Flexible design

Garden rooms come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. And, because they’re usually built from timber, they’re also relatively easy to customise and personalise to your taste.

Garden room ideas

Here are just a few garden room ideas to get you started and where they rank on the expenditure scale.

Garden office  (££)

If you work from home, then a garden room could be the perfect place to set up your home office. Garden rooms are usually light and airy, making them ideal for working in. And, because they’re separate from the main house, you’ll be able to concentrate better without distractions.

Playroom (£)

A garden room makes the perfect playroom for kids. It’s a safe space for them to play in, away from the rest of the house. And, because it’s usually located close to the garden, they can easily go outside to play when they need some fresh air.

Guest bedroom (££)

If you often have guests staying, then a garden room could be the perfect place for them to sleep. Garden rooms are usually quiet and private, so your guests will be able to get a good night’s sleep.

Relaxation space (£)

If you’re looking for a peaceful space to relax in, then a garden room could be ideal. Garden rooms are often filled with natural light, making them perfect as a reading room or just chilling out. You can even take this a step further by incorporating a log cabin design.

Gym (£££)

If you’re looking for a dedicated space to workout in, then a garden room could be the perfect solution. Garden rooms are usually spacious and free from distractions, making them ideal for working up a sweat. Plus, they’re usually located close to the garden, so you can easily go outside for a run or walk when you need some fresh air.

Sauna (£££)

A garden room makes the perfect space for a sauna. Garden rooms are often private and secluded, making them ideal for relaxing in. Plus, because they’re usually built from timber, they’re also relatively easy to insulate, which is essential for keeping the sauna warm.

Garden Bar (££)

If you love entertaining, then a garden bar could be the perfect addition to your garden room; keep your bar fully stocked with all the drinks and snacks you need, and you can easily entertain guests. Plus, they can easily go outside for some fresh air when needed.

Games Room (££)

A garden room is the perfect space for a games room. Garden rooms are usually spacious and free from distractions, making them ideal for playing games — even when the competition gets fierce!

If you’re in need of inspiration, style ideas or an insight into what can be achieved then check out our gallery page.

A quick FAQ about garden buildings

Do garden rooms require planning permission?

In most cases, a garden room or garden building will not require planning permission as they are classed as a “permitted development”, much like garage conversions and some loft conversions too.

However, this largely depends on the scale of your garden building project as well as factors like the building materials you are planning to use. For that reason it’s always best to check with your local authority before starting any building work to ensure it conforms to building regulations. A useful point of reference is the UK planning permission site.

Here at Garden Rooms 365 we’ve been constructing garden rooms for over 25 years, so we’re also well-placed to give you some advice if you’re unsure — don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Where is the best place to put my garden room?

When deciding where to place your garden room, it’s important to think about how you’re going to use it. Do you want it to be a secluded retreat away from the main house? Or do you want it to be easily accessible so you can pop out for a break whenever you fancy?

It’s also important to think about the sun. Garden rooms are usually filled with natural light, so you’ll want to place it in a spot where it will get plenty of sunshine. South-facing gardens are usually the best for this. And, finally, you’ll need to think about access. You’ll need to be able to get materials and furniture into your garden room, so make sure there’s a clear path from the house to the garden.

As mentioned previously, one final note to consider is how the placement of your outdoor space may affect your eligibility to actually construct it.

You can’t erect any garden buildings or garden structure that may prove problematic for your neighbours. It’s worth taking the time to research this on the UK planning permission site, because if you get it wrong, you can be forced to take your garden builldings down. You should also look at your property deeds to see if there is a restriction against constructing in specific locations.

Important things to plan and consider before you create a cost effective garden building          

The size of your garden room

The biggest contributing factor to the cost of your project will be  the size of your garden room. How big do you want it to be? And how much space do you have in your garden to accommodate it? If you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go for a smaller size. Garden rooms are usually modular, so you can always add on to them later if you need more space.

The style of garden room you want

There are many different types of garden room to choose from. Do you want a summerhouse? A log cabin? Or something else entirely? Each type of garden room has its own unique benefits and individual costs, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.

Summerhouses, for example, are usually more lightweight and easier to construct than log cabins. They’re also generally cheaper. Log cabins, on the other hand, tend to be more durable and better-insulated — perfect if you want to use your garden room all year round, but they do come with a higher price tag.

Electricity and plumbing in your garden building 

If you want to use your garden room as a gym, garden office or studio, then you’ll need to consider the electricity and plumbing needs of the space. This will obviously add to the overall cost of the project, but it’s important to get it right from the start so that you can avoid any costly mistakes further down the line.

Your garden room will need to be connected to both mains water and electricity. This can be done either via an existing connection (if you have one) or by installing new ones. If you’re installing new connections, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring a plumber for the installation service.

In terms of electricity, you’ll need to decide how you’re going to power your garden room. The most common option is to use mains electricity, but if you’re not connected to the grid then you’ll need to look at alternative power sources like solar panels. Hiring a qualified electrician is an additional cost that you’ll need to factor in, but it’s important to get expert advice on the best option for your garden room.

Wall materials

When it comes to the walls of your garden room, there are various different materials that you can use. The most popular options are brick, timber and glass.

Brick is a classic choice for garden room walls, and it’s also one of the most durable options. It’s perfect if you want a garden room that will stand the test of time. The only downside is that it can be quite expensive. Timber is a more affordable option, and it’s also relatively easy to work with. It’s important to choose a high-quality timber for your garden room, as it will need to be able to withstand the elements. Glass is another popular choice for garden room walls, as it lets in plenty of natural light and gives the space a bright, airy feel.

The cost of the materials you use for your garden room walls will obviously have an impact on the overall cost of the project. However, it’s important to remember that the walls are just one part of the garden room. There are many other elements to consider, so it’s important to get a complete picture of all the costs before making your final decision.

Garden room insulation

One of the most important considerations for your garden room is insulation. Depending on how you want to use the space, you may need to insulated walls , floor and ceiling. This will obviously add to the cost of the project, but it’s crucial to get it right so that you can use your garden room all year round.

There are various different insulation materials that you can use, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. The most common options are fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. Each type of insulation has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to get expert advice on the best option for your garden room.

Garden room windows and doors

The doors and windows you choose for your garden room will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. There are many different options to choose from, so it’s important to think about what you want from your garden room before making a final decision.

The most common type of doors for a garden room are double glazed doors, often French or bi fold doors.  These doors are made up of two panes of glass that open outwards.  They’re a popular choice because they let in plenty of light and offer good ventilation. However, they can be quite expensive.

Another popular option for garden room doors are sliding doors. These doors slide open horizontally, which makes them a great space-saving option. They’re also usually cheaper than double glazed bi fold doors.

Like the doors, the best window options for optimal insulation, tight security and maximum light will incorporate double glazing.

The most frequently used type  for a garden house is a casement window. These windows are made up of two panes of glass that open outwards. They’re a popular choice because they let in plenty of natural light and give the space a bright, airy feel. Casement windows can be quite expensive, but they’re definitely worth the investment.

Another popular type of window for garden buildings is a bay window. These windows are made up of three or more panels of glass that open outwards.  They’re a great choice if you want to create a focal point in your garden room. Bay windows can be costly, but they’ll definitely make a statement.

Garden room roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of your garden room, as it needs to be able to withstand the elements whilst also giving you light and adequate drainage. There are many different options to choose from, so it’s important to get expert advice on the best option for your needs.

The most common type of roof for a garden room is a pitched roof. This roof slopes downwards, which helps to protect the space from the elements. Pitched roofs are also relatively easy to construct, which makes them a popular choice for DIYers.

Another popular option for garden room roofs is a flat roof. Flat roofs are made up of a single layer of material, which makes them very easy to install. However, they’re not as good at protecting the space from the elements as pitched roofs.

The most frequently used materials for garden room roofs are glass, polycarbonate and PVC. Glass is a popular choice because it lets in a lot of natural light. However, it’s quite expensive and gets dirty quickly. Polycarbonate is a strong, durable material that’s often used in commercial settings. It’s not as transparent as glass, but it’s much more affordable. PVC is a cheap, plastic material that’s often used for temporary structures.

Finishing your Garden Room on a budget

Once you’ve chosen the materials for your garden room walls, it’s time to start thinking about the finishing touches. This is where you can really let your creativity shine and make the space your own.

One of the most important things to consider is lighting. A great garden room will be used in the evening as well as the daytime, so it’s important to choose light fixtures that will provide ample brightness once the sun has gone down. You could go for ceiling lights, wall lights or floor lamps. Or, if you want to create a really cozy feel, you could opt for fairy lights or candles.

Flooring is another important consideration. Carpet is a popular choice for garden rooms because it’s warm and cozy. However, it’s important to choose a durable carpet that can withstand heavy foot traffic. If you’re planning on using your garden room as a home office or study, you might want to consider hardwood flooring. This is a more expensive option, but it will last longer and is easier to keep clean.

Finally, you’ll need to think about furnishing your garden room. If you’re on a tight budget, you could try second-hand or vintage furniture. Alternatively, you could look for items in sale sections of home stores. Whatever you choose, make sure the furniture is comfortable and fit for purpose. And don’t forget to add some finishing touches, like cushions and throws, to really add some of your own character.

Finally, you need to think about decorating. Decorating is one of the main areas where you can save money with a little bit of imagination. You could go for a nature-themed garden room with lots of plants, or a vintage-inspired space with antique furniture. Or, if you’re stuck for ideas, you could always consult a professional interior designer.

With a bit of planning and creative thinking, you can easily create a beautiful garden room on a budget. Just remember to focus on the essentials and let your creativity do the work so your wallet doesn’t have to.

A guide to building a garden room on a budget by Garden Rooms 365

Garden Rooms 365 is a leading provider of garden rooms in the UK, with over 25 years experience in the industry. We only use high quality materials and our garden rooms are totally bespoke, designed and built to meet your specific requirements. We project manage the entire process from start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy your new garden room stress-free.

Our team has a wealth of experience in creating bespoke garden buildings to suit any need. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, entertain guests or pursue a hobby, we can help create the perfect space for you.

Our previous projects include garden salons and barber shops, garden offices, garden gyms, garden bars, garden saunas and steam rooms, garden studios and many more!. Whatever your vision for your garden room, we can make it a reality.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements, start planning your dream garden room. and receive a free quote from our friendly team.

We look forward to hearing from you!