Buying a garden room is a series of steps
A garden room is a big purchase, you'll want to ensure you get it right, first time!
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.
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
The first step in the buying journey is to get a feel for the different design features of garden rooms. You'll also want to get a feel for the planning rules and how much garden rooms cost:
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Garden rooms have so many potential uses
People are using their garden rooms for so many different uses, from home offices to high-spec gyms and self-contained garden homes, and lots more in-between.
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What is a garden room?
While some people refer to them as a posh shed, a garden room is so much more than that. They're actually much more like a small house.
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Do you need to apply for Planning Permission?
This is the first question you should ask. The chances are you can build your room under Permitted Development. However, don't just rely on supplier websites that say 'no planning permission required', it is your responsibility to find out.
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Inspiration for your garden room project
Take a look at some garden room galleries. They will help you identify what you like and want to include in your design, and perhaps, more importantly, what you don't like!
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How much do garden rooms cost?
Prices can vary quite a bit between garden room companies. The key factors that affect price are the size of the building and specification level you choose. We have surveyed the market and created a calculator to give you an idea of the average prices.
Research, research, research
Don't rush the research stage of the buying process. The decisions you make today will have an impact on your home for decades to come.
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Tips on researching your garden room options
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.
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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.
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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.
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Bespoke garden rooms designed just for you
If you have a tricky site or a particular design in mind, then the bespoke design is the route you should take. Bespoke design is not as expensive as you might think.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Request brochures
Company websites will provide you with a lot of detail, but there is often more to be found in requesting a brochure. We have made this easy by grouping together the brochure request pages for different companies.
Taking the next step
Once you have got a feel for your options, the next step is to choose a supplier to build your new room. A site visit will enable you to get a real feel for your options. The designer will work with you to create your ideal layout and help you choose from different finnishes. At the end of the visit, you should have a clear idea of how much your new room will cost, and how long it will take to build.
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Comparing garden rooms
There are so many different garden room designs on the market. Different shapes, sizes and specifications. How do you compare one design against another? We share how we would go about the task.
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Dealing directly with the manufacturer
It’s interesting that buying a garden room is one of the few big-ticket home improvements where you deal directly with the manufacturer. There are several benefits to dealing direct.
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Setting a budget
It’s important to set a budget for your garden room project early on. This will help you decide on the combination of space and design features that work best for you. We have tools and tips on how to do this.
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Arrange a site visit
A site visit is a valuable part of the garden room buying process. It offers you the opportunity to ask detailed questions about your project and will help you make your final decisions as to which supplier to work with.
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Turnkey garden room 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.
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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.
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Paying for a garden room
Garden rooms are big-ticket purchases, and you will normally make stage payments throughout the project.
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Protecting your investment
As you'll be 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.