How to install a garden room – and how much it will cost

Echoing everything we love about the British countryside, what could be more beautiful than having your own four walls set amidst lush greenery?

Forget wooden summer houses or “chic sheds”, says Tony Higginson, managing director and co-founder of Vivid Green.

We’re talking about garden rooms built to the same or often higher standards as an extension, he points out. “With bi-fold doors, toilet or kitchen and room leading directly onto the garden, allowing you to eat and entertain al fresco, whatever the weather.”

If the idea appeals to you and are considering installing one, Higginson reveals the key things you’ll need to consider…

Planning

The type of planning you need will depend on how you intend to use your garden room…

“If it is simply a garden room, an additional lounge or dining room, a games room or an office, this should fall within permitted developments, also known as developments accessories,” says Higginson.

“For this, it must be less than 2.5m high (total height from the nearest adjacent ground), not exceed 50% of your outdoor space and cannot be used as an additional bedroom.”

In some cases, if the space is to be used as a home gym or office for example, you may still have a bathroom, notes Higginson.

“If you dream of being able to get out of bed and into your garden, you will need planning permission, which will fall under ancillary development. »

He continues: “Simply put, it’s building anything where you will use the space as you would your primary residence, meaning sleeping, eating and using the bathroom . »

Your garden room supplier will be able to advise you on any necessary planning and how to go about it, says Higginson.

“On average, ancillary planning will cost £1,200, but this can differ depending on whether you do it yourself, whether you hire a professional and also depending on where in the country you are – this can be included in your garden furniture quote, so it’s worth checking. ,” he adds.

Soles

There are several installation methods available for garden furniture…

Where possible, Higginson opts for foundations screwed to the ground. “It allows you to work with just about any surface and surface level (within reason), is environmentally friendly, and keeps you away from messy concrete.”

It provides a solid, solid foundation and can be installed in a matter of hours without any compromise on the quality or longevity of the construction, notes Higginson.

“In some cases, you may need to consider a concrete slab or pad foundation. This usually occurs when the ground conditions are not optimal for the floor screws or the use of the building requires a significant point load – for rooms intended to be used as a weight room for example.

Costs

A standard 4m by 3m garden room will cost around £20,000…

The key when looking at your budget is to determine what’s most important to you, says Higginson.

“Is there as much space as possible?” Or should you compromise slightly on size to allow you to have bi-fold doors and an adjoining pergola to house your hot tub?

“For a 4m by 3m garden room with bi-fold doors fully fitted and installed you will cost around £25,000.”

When requesting designs or modifications, you shouldn’t just think about the cost of each element, he emphasizes.

“So adding bi-fold doors can add more than just the price of the bi-fold door, for example, as the structure will then likely require steel support above the doors to take the weight off the roof, as the opening is now bigger,” Higginson points out.

Build

From beautiful high-end finishes such as interior plaster, aluminum or wooden joinery and real wood flooring, to more budget-conscious choices…

“Build size is where you can test your budget,” says Higginson.

“Most roofs are built flat, with pitched roofs possible but at significant additional cost.

“It’s also worth noting that a flat roof will often work better in a garden by creating a clear plot line and working with, rather than against, the fence and property boundaries.

Hourly

From your first consultation to complete installation, it can take around six to eight weeks if the time frame is short…

“Actual construction time will be approximately seven to 14 business days. This means you can easily install a garden room in time to enjoy those balmy summer evenings,” suggests Higginson.

Design

“From chic bi-fold doors that allow you to bring the outside in, to built-in covered pergolas for a hot tub or swim spa, the design element is where you can relax and have fun,” s he enthuses.

“From polished concrete floors to built-in cinema projectors and a garden bar. The world, when it comes to design, is your oyster.

One thing to consider is the longevity of your build, says Higginson. “Yes, for now you may wish to use the space as a home gym with rubber flooring installed for added bounce.

“But will you want to transform this space into a children’s playroom in a few years? »

He advises thinking long term and choosing flooring that is suitable for many uses. “Engineered hardwood, tile, or polished concrete are all great examples that will look chic but stand the test of time.”

Uses

The garden rooms offer on several levels…

“From being more affordable than a standard extension or garage conversion, to the huge advantage of being installed in weeks rather than months.

“Their longevity is comparable to, and often outlasts, more traditional construction methods,” suggests Higginson.

He continues: “If you work with a recommended installer who can offer you a turnkey solution, you will be sitting in your garden room and enjoying summer, autumn and winter for many years to come. »