Buying a garden room is an expensive purchase, and you will have a lot of input into the design and finishes along the way. Our aim is to help you make informed buying decisions so that you end up with ‘your perfect’ garden room.
There are more than 3,000 pages on this website, so we have curated this page of articles and links of things you should consider early on in the garden room buying process.
So, if you are buying a small garden room, a home gym or something more elaborate like a self-contained living annexe, start your research here:
First things, first
Garden rooms have so many potential uses
Garden rooms are so versatile, you could use it as a home office, gym or even a home for a relative
What is a garden room?
Some call them posh sheds, but oh, they are so much more than that...
Do you need to apply for Planning Permission?
This is the first question you should ask. Don't just rely on websites that say 'no planning permission required'
Inspiration for your garden room project
Take a look at some garden room galleries. They will help you identify what you like, and what you don't
How much do garden rooms cost?
It all depends on the size and specification you choose, but we have worked out the averages to give you an idea
Try a garden room in your garden
Use our visualisation tool to quickly see what different garden room designs might look like in your garden
Research, research, research
Do your research before buying
A garden room is a big ticket purchase, and we want to ensure you make informed buying decisions not expensive mistakes, so research your options thoroughly.
Learn about garden room construction
There are several different building systems used in garden room construction; it's good to be abreast of the different methods and options as it will make comparing garden rooms easier.
Buying a garden room is a series of steps
When buying a garden room, you will deal directly with the manufacturer who will guide you through these steps.
Modular garden rooms the flexible option
Modular design is a very flexible way to buy a garden room. You can mix and match modules to create your ideal layout. Modular garden rooms are often your most cost effective option.
Bespoke garden rooms designed just for you
If you have a tricky site or a particular design in mind, then bespoke design is the route you should take. Bespoke design is not as expensive as you might think.
So much more than a posh shed
You need to be clear that when buying a garden room you are buying so much more than a posh shed or summerhouse. In fact what you are buying is much more akin to a one room house.
Elements a quality garden room will include
There are some key elements that the garden room you choose should include. These will ensure that the room will be comfortable to use all year round and last for decades.
It's a good idea to see a garden room before you buy
It is a good idea to try and see a garden room or two before you buy and get a feel for the quality & features. There are three ways to do this.
Find garden room designers who work in your area
Some garden room firms cover the whole of the UK; others just work in their local region. Find out who works in your area, and learn more about their work.
Taking the next step
Comparing garden room designs
You will end up comparing garden room designs which at first look appear the same, but there are some key elements that you can compare between suppliers.
Choosing an experienced supplier
Garden rooms cost a lot of money, so you'll want to work with an experienced supplier who has a tried and tested building system.
Dealing directly with the manufacturer
Buying a garden room is one of a few big-ticket purchases where you deal directly with the manufacturer of the product, there are many benefits to this arrangement.
Setting a budget
It is a wise idea to have a budget for your garden room project, but you should be aware that there may be additional costs to the prices you see quoted on suppliers websites.
Site visits
We believe that a site visit is the most important part of the garden room buying process. It's good practice to request two or three so that you can compare your options.
Turnkey projects
You will see the term 'turnkey project' in garden room marketing; this means that your supplier will project manage the whole build for you, so you just sit back and watch it take shape.
Hassle free off-site construction
Prefabrication systems have been widely adopted by the garden room industry. These systems offer high spec buildings that are quick to build.
Paying for a garden room
Garden rooms are big-ticket purchases, and you will normally make stage payments throughout the project.
Protecting your investment
Spending a lot of money, you may want to consider protecting your investment. Some suppliers offer insurance policies to protect your deposit and other aspects of the build.