How Long Does it Take to Build a Garden Room

Building a garden room is an exciting project for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike.

A garden room offers a separate space away from the main house that can be customised to fulfil a range of requirements and provide you with year-round enjoyment.

Whether you’re looking to turn your extra space into a peaceful retreat, a functional workspace in the form of a home office, a home gym, or even a garden sauna, understanding the timeline involved is crucial.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the process of building a garden room into its key stages, explore factors that can affect the construction time, and provide practical insights to help you plan your project efficiently and transform your garden space into a haven of relaxation and practicality.

The garden room building process

Consultation/pre-installation survey

The first step in building a garden room is the consultation and pre-installation survey. This typically takes just one day and involves discussing your requirements, assessing the site, and understanding any specific needs or constraints. This stage ensures that the project will run smoothly and that all potential issues are identified and addressed early on. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and the garden room builder will provide an initial quote and timeline.

Design

Once the initial consultation is complete, the design phase begins. This can take anywhere from one to three days, depending on the complexity of your desired garden room. During this stage, detailed plans and blueprints are created, considering all your specifications. The design phase is crucial as it lays the foundation for the entire project, ensuring that every detail is planned meticulously. You’ll be able to review and approve designs, making any necessary adjustments before moving forward.

Constructing the base

After finalising the design, the next step is constructing the base of the garden room. This typically takes one to two days. The base is essential for providing a stable and level foundation for the garden room. Depending on the site conditions, this could involve laying a concrete slab, installing ground screws, or another type of foundation. Proper construction of the base is vital to ensure the durability and longevity of the garden room structure.

Installation

The installation phase involves assembling the garden room itself and usually takes between one to three days. During this time, walls, roofs, and floors are put together according to the approved design. Professional installers ensure that all elements are securely fitted making sure you have a weatherproof and fully insulated garden building. This stage of the process transforms the initial plans into a tangible structure, bringing your garden room vision to life.

Furnishing

Furnishing the garden room can take three to five days, depending on the intended use and the availability of required equipment. If you’re creating a garden sauna, for instance, you’ll need to have the necessary pipes and sauna equipment installed, which may extend the timeline. Similarly, a fully functional gym may require additional electrical work, air conditioning, and specialised flooring. The furnishing stage allows you to personalise the space, making it functional and comfortable for your specific needs.

Final touches

The final touches phase typically takes one day and involves adding the finishing details to your garden room. This might include painting, decorating, and installing any additional fixtures or fittings. These final adjustments ensure that the garden room is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. By the end of this stage, your garden room will be ready for use, having undergone a thorough inspection to ensure everything is perfect.

Aspects that affect construction time

Planning permission

One of the most significant factors that can impact the construction time of a garden room is planning permission or building regulations approval. While many garden rooms do not require planning permission, certain conditions and local regulations may necessitate it. If planning permission is required, the process can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. It’s important to check with your local planning authority to determine whether your project needs approval or seek assistance from your garden room builder. Obtaining planning permission can delay the start of construction, so it’s advisable to factor this into your timeline from the outset.

Specialist requirements

Specialist requirements can also affect the construction time of a garden room. For example, a garden room intended as a fully functional, air-conditioned gym with showers will take longer to construct than a simple garden office or garden studio. Additional plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC installations can extend the timeline. Moreover, sourcing and installing specialised equipment may require additional time. It’s essential to consider these factors during the planning phase and communicate your specific requirements to the garden room builder to ensure accurate timelines and avoid unexpected delays.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions are an often overlooked but critical factor that can impact the construction time of a garden room. Adverse weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, can delay various stages of the building process, especially during the base construction and installation phases. While professional builders aim to work within planned schedules, unpredictable weather can cause setbacks. It’s advisable to plan your garden room project during the more temperate months of the year when weather conditions are generally more stable, reducing the likelihood of weather-related delays.

FAQ

What are garden rooms generally constructed of?

Garden rooms are generally constructed using a variety of high quality materials, each chosen for their specific properties to ensure durability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. One of the most common materials used is wood, particularly for wooden garden rooms or a garden cabin, which are popular for their natural look and effective insulation properties. Timber frames, often made from sustainably sourced wood, provide a sturdy and environmentally friendly framework. Additionally, other materials such as composite panels, steel, and glass might be used in various elements of the structure for added strength, insulation, and modern design features. The choice of materials typically depends on the intended use of the garden room and specific customer preferences.

How are garden rooms heated?

There are several options for heating a garden room, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular choices include electric heaters, underfloor heating, wood-burning stoves, and air conditioning units. The type of heating system chosen may depend on factors such as the size of the garden room, intended use, location, and budget. Underfloor heating is a popular choice as it provides consistent heat distribution throughout the space without taking up any additional room. It’s important to discuss heating options with your garden room builder to determine the best solution for your specific project.

Conclusion

Building a garden room involves several key stages, from the initial consultation to the final touches. Each phase has its own timeline, and understanding these can help you plan your project more effectively. On average, the whole process can take between 7 to 16 days, not including potential delays due to planning permission or specialist requirements.

By considering factors such as planning permission, specialist requirements, and weather conditions, you can set realistic expectations and ensure a smoother construction process. Garden rooms offer incredible flexibility and functionality, making them a valuable addition to any property.

Get your dream garden room today!

Ready to start your garden room project? At Garden Rooms 365, we specialise in creating bespoke garden rooms tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Want to play with some ideas yourself? Don’t hesitate to use our garden room configuration tool on our planning portal, here you can self build your dream garden room before getting in touch with a member of our team

Transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional garden room and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

How long does it take to build a garden room?