What to Expect from a Garden Room Design Consultation
Updated: 1 December 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Once you've explored the websites of various garden room companies, requested brochures, or experimented with a design configurator, you should have a shortlist of companies to book a design consultation with.
It’s important to remember that requesting a garden room design consultation does not commit you to a purchase. In most cases, consultations are free, although some companies may charge for in-person consultations. However, this fee is often refunded if you proceed with a purchase.
Check Which Garden Room & Annexe Companies Operate in Your Area
Visit a Show Site to Discuss Your Options
Several modular specialists have fully furnished garden rooms on display at their show sites or workshops. You can book an appointment to view these buildings and have a design consultation while you're there.
Often, when booking a visit to a show site, you’ll receive a voucher—typically worth a few hundred pounds—which can be applied as a discount if you proceed with a purchase.
At-Home Design Consultations
If you’re unable to visit a show site, don’t worry—many companies offer at-home consultations, either through an in-person visit or a video call.
To arrange a consultation, you can contact the company by phone or email, and they will schedule a time that suits you. They’ll also explain what to expect from the process and advise how much time to set aside.
Some firms have design consultants who travel across the country for in-person visits, often bringing material samples so you can explore your options firsthand. With smaller companies, the business owner usually conducts the design consultation, offering the greatest insight into the capabilities of their buildings. Since the pandemic, many consultations have been conducted virtually via video calls, following a similar format to in-person visits.
Don’t Be Afraid to Share Your Vision and Budget
The initial design consultation is a key stage in the garden room buying process. During this conversation, the designer will want to understand how you plan to use your garden room, the features you wish to include, and the finishes you prefer.
If you have images or examples of garden rooms you like (or dislike), feel free to share them—it can be incredibly helpful in guiding the design process.
It’s also a good idea to share your budget. This allows the designer to suggest ways to maximise your budget and potentially get creative within your financial limits.
Checking the Site and Access
An essential part of the consultation is assessing where you plan to site your garden room. The designer will be able to advise whether planning permission is required or if the project can proceed under Permitted Development rights.
They will also assess the ground conditions for the foundation system and walk the route the installation team will use to bring in materials, identifying any potential obstacles.
If you have an in-person consultation, the designer will carry out this assessment during the visit. For virtual consultations, you may be asked to provide videos, photos, and measurements of your site, which the design team will review. In some cases, a follow-up in-person survey may be conducted to confirm details.
A Personalised Design at the End of the Consultation
Depending on the company, the designer may create a model of your garden room during the consultation, allowing them to show you a design at the end of your conversation.
Alternatively, the designer may take the information from your consultation and work on the design afterwards. This process often includes preparing floor plans and elevation drawings, and some companies will also create 3D visualisations or even short video animations to help you explore different aspects of the design.
It’s not uncommon for designers to create multiple versions of the design, giving you various options to consider.
Detailed Specifications and a Quote
Your design will be accompanied by a detailed specification list and a quote for the project.
Make sure to review these documents carefully to ensure they cover everything you expect. If something is missing or unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your designer—they’ll be happy to answer questions or make adjustments. After all, they want your garden room to be perfect and will gladly help refine the design as needed.
