Comparing Garden Room Quotes

Updated: 31 December 2025
Reading Time: 5 minutes 40 seconds

You’ve completed the design consultation phase with several garden room companies, and the quotes are in. Now it’s time to determine which company offers the best building for your needs.

This can be a tricky task, and it’s not as simple as just comparing prices. The most expensive garden room isn’t necessarily the best one. Over the years, we’ve reviewed high-priced garden room designs and occasionally found them to be less well-specified than much cheaper ranges. Some companies have built an expensive brand image and charge accordingly, even if the specifications don’t match the price tag.

Having reviewed garden room quotes and specifications for years, we often compare the structure of one garden room against another. You should take the time to do this too. A garden room is a significant investment that will have a lasting impact on your home and garden.

This guide has turned out quite detailed, so if you’re looking to jump to specific sections, use these links:

Elements to Consider When Comparing Garden Room Quotes & Specifications

Before diving into the specifics of the quotes, let’s talk about how you feel about the designs and the companies you’ve been dealing with.

Give each company a score, perhaps out of 10, for each element of your comparison. At the end, tally them up to help clarify which company might be the best choice for your project.

What Is Your Gut Feeling About Each Company?

By this stage, you’ll have had several interactions with different companies, particularly during the design consultation phase. Which company was easiest to work with? Which one seemed to understand your vision and incorporated your wishlist into the design?

Trust your instincts—does one company stand out more than the others?

Which Design Do You Prefer?

You may have chosen to consult with companies that offer similar garden room styles, so the designs you’ve received may look quite similar.

However, do you find yourself drawn to one design over the others? Does one design offer a standout feature that the others lack?

Is the Foundation Included?

If two garden rooms seem very similar but differ significantly in price, it could be because the cheaper option doesn’t include the foundation system.

Most suppliers now include foundations as part of their installation package, with groundscrews or adjustable pile foundations offering flexibility for uneven ground. However, some companies either offer the foundation as an optional extra or require you to organise it before the assembly team arrives.

Foundations are a substantial part of the overall cost, so the absence of a foundation could explain why one quote seems cheaper than another.

When comparing specifications, you should feel confident that during the site survey, the company assessed the ground conditions to determine the best foundation system for your soil, rather than simply suggesting the system they are most familiar with.

Which Company Offers the Best Core Structure?

Most garden room specifications will detail the type of core structure used, with traditional timber frames and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) being the most common options.

Although it may seem easy to compare these building systems, both come in varying qualities and thicknesses. The thicker the core structure, the sturdier the building.

For example, a traditional timber frame might be constructed with 47mm x 150mm timbers, while another company may use 47mm x 100mm framing with closer stud centres. Both are solid options, but you might find yourself comparing these frames with a company using 47mm x 70mm timbers, which is less substantial.

The same goes for SIPs. Some companies specify panels that are 175mm thick, while others may use panels only 75mm thick. Thicker structures cost more, so you’ll need to weigh up whether the extra cost is worth it for the added sturdiness.

Which Design Offers the Best Insulation?

Insulation is what sets a garden room apart from other types of garden buildings. You should expect insulation in the walls, floor, and roof.

A well-insulated garden room will be more comfortable to use throughout the year and cheaper to run—something increasingly important these days.

When reviewing insulation, don’t just compare thickness. For example, 150mm of fibreglass insulation might not perform as well as 50mm of rigid PIR insulation. Instead, look at the u-value, which measures how effectively the building retains heat. The lower the u-value, the better the insulation. If the u-value isn’t listed in the specification, ask the company for it.

Which Cladding Option Suits You Best?

When comparing exterior cladding, think about both aesthetics and long-term durability.

Consider questions like:

  • If redwood cladding is used, has it been treated to extend its lifespan?
  • If you’ve chosen a painted finish, how often will it need repainting?
  • Were you given the option to mix cladding finishes to maximise your budget?

Which Design Has the Best Door and Window Configuration?

Doors and windows have a big impact on the feel of a garden room. Which quote offers the best layout?

Floor-to-ceiling glazing is a popular feature, but you’ll still want some opening windows for ventilation. Some companies mix doors with fixed-pane tall windows, while others opt for tilt-and-turn windows, offering more flexibility.

Additionally, compare whether the quotes specify aluminium frame doors and windows, which are generally considered a higher specification than uPVC.

Does the Roof Covering Have a Long Lifespan?

Most garden rooms come with roof coverings designed to last decades without maintenance, with EPDM membranes and steel-insulated panels being popular choices. However, some companies still use roofing felt as standard, offering EPDM as an upgrade.

Roofing felt won’t last as long as EPDM and has more seams, which could lead to leaks. In contrast, EPDM is typically installed in one piece, reducing the risk of water ingress.

Is Rainwater Guttering Included?

Although guttering might seem like a minor detail, not all companies include it. You’d be surprised how much water runs off a garden room roof, and without guttering, the water could damage your cladding and cause more serious issues if it gets into the structure.

Some companies offer basic guttering with a spout, while others include a water butt for collecting rainwater. A few may even connect the guttering to a soakaway system.

Which Design Offers the Best Interior Finishes?

Some garden rooms are left unfinished, allowing you to decorate and fit them out yourself. Are you prepared to take on this work?

Other companies offer internal wall panelling, typically in white or neutral colours, which is easy to maintain but may have visible seams that some find unappealing. Plastered and decorated interiors offer a house-like finish, but they come at a higher cost and extend the installation timeline.

Does the Electrical Specification Meet Your Needs?

Check if the electrical specification includes everything you need. Are there enough sockets? Have any extras, such as an external socket or data cabling for the internet, been included in the quote?

Is Heating Included?

Not all garden room suppliers include heating. Some argue that the building is so well insulated that it doesn’t need one, but we’ve found that on the coldest days, having a heater is invaluable.

Is the Final Electrical Hook-up Included?

Some companies include the final electrical hook-up in their quotes, while others offer it as an optional extra or ask you to arrange it with a local electrician. This can be a significant cost, so make sure you know if it’s included when comparing quotes.

Does the Building Come with a Warranty?

Finally, check if a warranty is offered and what it covers. A longer, more comprehensive warranty can provide peace of mind. Some companies offer insurance-backed warranties, which are particularly valuable if the supplier ceases trading.

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