Buy or Build a Garden Room - Which is Cheaper?

Over the past few years, garden rooms have skyrocketed in popularity with those looking for some extra space without having to move house. From serene home offices to creative hobby spaces and even personal gyms, these outdoor havens offer homeowners a versatile and valuable extension to their garden space.

If you’re considering adding one to your property, you’re likely debating whether it’s better to buy a pre-fabricated garden room, build one yourself from scratch, or hire a professional garden room designer and installer.

Each option comes with its own advantages and challenges. With so much to think about, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right path when it comes to modern garden rooms. This guide will help you make an informed decision by breaking down the pros and cons of each option.

Essential components of any garden room

Before exploring construction options, it’s crucial to first understand the essential components that make a garden room both functional and comfortable. Prioritizing these elements ensures that your garden room is well-suited to your needs, energy-efficient, and durable in all seasons. Here are some key components to consider:

Insulation

A fully insulated garden room is non-negotiable when it comes to creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment. Insulated walls, floors, and roofs help to keep the space warm in winter and cool in summer, while also reducing energy costs.

Double glazed windows and doors

Installing double glazed windows and doors is a must for maximising energy efficiency, welcoming in natural light and soundproofing any new garden room. These windows prevent heat loss, minimise outside noise, and enhance the overall comfort of your garden room.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential to prevent dampness and maintain air quality. Consider options such as trickle vents, air bricks, or even mechanical ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow.

Durable flooring

The flooring in your garden room should be durable, easy to clean, and appropriate for the intended use. Options like laminate, engineered wood, or vinyl flooring are popular choices due to their resilience and aesthetic appeal.

Electrical wiring and lighting

Plan for safe electrical wiring and consider your lighting requirements. Whether you need soft ambient lighting, task lighting, or external lights, ensure everything is installed to code.

Weatherproof materials

Using high-quality, weatherproof materials like treated timber, composite boards, or aluminum for the exterior will safeguard your garden room against the elements and extend its lifespan.

By prioritizing these components, you’ll create a garden room that is practical, efficient, and enjoyable in the long term.

Uses for your garden room

Your garden room offers endless possibilities for functionality and enjoyment, tailored to meet your needs.

These include:

Garden office: Create a large garden office away from household distractions.
Garden studios: A quiet, inspiring space for painting, crafting, or photography.
Gym: Set up a home workout area with your favorite equipment.
Guest room: Provide comfortable, private accommodation for visitors.
Relaxation retreat: Use it as a cozy space for reading, meditation, or unwinding.
Hobby room: Perfect for activities like woodworking, sewing, or music practice.

And more! When creating your dream garden room, options are limited to your imagination (and skill level if building it yourself!)

Buying a pre-fabricated garden room

What is a pre-fabricated garden room?

A pre-fabricated garden room, also known as a pre-built garden room, is an off-the-shelf structure designed and manufactured by a company. These garden rooms often come flat-packed or pre-assembled in sections and are constructed quickly on site.

Pros of buying a pre-fabricated garden room

Cost-effectiveness: Pre-built garden rooms are usually more affordable upfront compared to hiring a professional designer. Their mass production helps reduce costs, making it a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.
Speed of installation: These rooms can often be installed within a few days, ideal if you’re looking to create your garden retreat quickly.
Convenience: The ready-made nature of pre-fabricated garden rooms means minimal hassle. Many manufacturers include delivery and installation services in their package.

Cons of buying a pre-fabricated garden room

Limited customisation: Pre-fabricated options often come in set designs. For homeowners wanting something truly bespoke, they may not meet your vision.
Potential quality issues: While some pre-built options use high-quality materials, others might not. Always research the manufacturer and reviews to ensure you invest in something durable.
Planning permission issues: Depending on your garden room’s size and placement, local building regulations might require planning permission. Standardised designs may not always comply with specific requirements.

Building a garden room yourself from scratch

What does building a garden room involve?

Building a garden room yourself requires sourcing your own materials and constructing the structure by hand. This is a popular option for experienced DIYers seeking complete creative control.

Pros of building your own garden room

Full customisation: When you’re in charge, the possibilities are endless. You can tailor the design, size, materials, and layout exactly to your needs and preferences.
Potential cost savings: While not guaranteed, sourcing your materials and cutting out labour costs can lead to significant savings.
Personal satisfaction: The sense of achievement from designing and building something with your own hands is incredibly rewarding.

Cons of building your own garden room

Time-consuming: DIY projects often take weeks or even months to complete, especially if you’re working around weekends or spare time.
Requires DIY skills: Building a structurally sound garden room involves carpentry, plumbing, and electrical knowledge. Lack of expertise can lead to costly mistakes.
Potential for mistakes: Misjudged measurements or inadequate foundations can compromise the garden building project’s success, requiring extra time and money to fix.

Hiring a professional garden room designer and installer

What does a professional garden room designer and installer do?

A professional garden room designer and installer specialises in creating bespoke garden rooms tailored to your specific needs. They handle the entire process, from designing and sourcing materials to building and finishing.

Pros of hiring a professional garden room designer

Expert design advice: Professionals can offer tailored solutions that maximise your space while aligning with your vision.
Quality construction: Hiring experts ensures high-quality workmanship, leaving you with a durable garden room built to last.
Hassle-free experience: A professional handles all the heavy lifting, from securing planning permissions (if needed) to completing the finer details.

Cons of hiring a professional garden room designer

Higher cost: This option typically requires a bigger investment, as you’re paying for expertise, labour, and premium materials.
Reliance on others: The project timelines are dictated by the professional’s availability, which can sometimes lead to delays.
Potential communication issues: Miscommunication can result in designs not being executed exactly as you envisioned. Always choose a credible builder with excellent reviews.

Factors to consider when making your decision

When deciding whether to buy, build, or hire a professional for your garden room, weigh the following factors to find the best solution for your unique needs and goals.

Budget: A pre-built garden room may be cheaper, but building yourself or hiring a professional can offer better long-term value if you want higher quality or customisation.
Time: How quickly do you want or need your garden room? Buying a pre-fabricated option provides the fastest turnaround, while DIY can take longer.
Skill level: Confidence in your DIY abilities will affect whether building from scratch is a realistic option.
Customisation requirements: If you’re seeking a bespoke design, DIY or professional installation is the way to go.
Planning permission: Ensure you research local regulations before committing to a large pre-fabricated or self-built garden room. Professionals often include planning permission advice as part of their service.
What you will be using it for: Consider your intended use for the garden room. Will it be a home office, gym, or relaxation space? This can help inform design choices and influence your decision on buying, building, or hiring.
Maintenance: Think about the long-term upkeep of your garden room. Pre-fabricated options may require less maintenance than self-built structures over time. Factor in potential repair costs when making your decision.
Personal preferences: Ultimately, you know yourself and what will suit your needs best. Trust your instincts and choose the option that aligns with your preferences and goals for your garden room.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to buy, build, or hire a professional designer for your garden room, each

Whether you want the convenience of a pre-fabricated garden room, the satisfaction of building it yourself, or the expertise of a professional garden room builder, the choice ultimately depends on your budget, time, and goals.

By considering each option’s pros and cons, you’ll be one step closer to creating the perfect escape in your backyard.

Dreaming of a hassle-free, high-quality garden room? Garden Rooms 365 is here to help.

Get a high-quality, bespoke garden room without the hassle

At Garden Rooms 365, we specialise in designing and installing exceptional garden rooms tailored to your lifestyle.

Our expert team ensures every detail is taken care of, from planning and permits to installation and finishing touches.

Why partner with us?

High-quality materials and construction for long-lasting results.
Years of experience in the design and installation of award-winning, bespoke garden rooms
Fully customised designs to match your garden room requirements.
Stress-free process managed by experienced professionals.
Your perfect garden room – guaranteed

Take the first step toward your perfect garden retreat.

Buy or Build a Garden Room – Which is Better for You?