When comparing your garden studio options, you need to keep in mind that not all companies include the foundation system in the price they quote. There are a couple of reasons for this; it is a significant cost that, if eliminated, can make their buildings seem cheaper than they actually are, or they would rather you work with a separate company to install the base for them to build off.
For you, the buyer, this approach can mean that you end up with a hidden cost and having to manage working with two companies on the one project.
Sanctum Garden Studios take another approach; the prices they quote on their website include the foundation system, which the in-house Sanctum team install. Unlike many other garden room companies, Sanctum Garden Studios do not use subcontractors; their in-house team install their studios throughout the UK and knows their building system inside out, which leads to quick, stress-free on-site builds.
Working with their structural engineers, Sanctum Garden Studios have designed a foundation system that they can install at the same time as the building - other companies use methods that need to be installed before the main installation team arrives on-site. Sanctum's approach means on-site build times are kept as short as possible, meaning minimal disruption for you. Sanctum's small studios can be installed in a day, with their larger studios typically completed in three days.
All Sanctum Garden Studios ask is that you remove the vegetation from the intended site and that it is levelled before they arrive. They can then get on and install the foundation system that comprises an adjustable steel frame sitting on mini piles and precast concrete blocks. The base system is very flexible, so can also be used if you have an existing concrete slab or paving in place so long as it is in good condition.
This timelapse video shows the installation of a 3.6m x 2.4m building from Sanctum Garden Studios Contemporary Range. The footage shows Sanctum's modular building system's efficiency, from the foundation upwards, and how the installation team keeps a tidy site as they work.
Three ranges of garden studios
Sanctum Garden Studios offer three ranges of buildings covering a range of budget options and styles. They are:
The Hampton
Starting at £7,995, including VAT, foundation and installation, The Hampton is one of the best-priced garden studios that is truly designed for comfortable year-round use. The Hampton comes in two popular sizes and two colourways.
With its glazed front elevation, The Hampton Range is the perfect space for use as a home office or hobby room, but the potential uses are endless; just look at how one owner uses theirs as a garden bar.
There are options to personalise your Hampton studio, such as adding Cedar panels to the side walls or an additional window.
The Sanctum team have the installation of their Hampton Range off to a fine art; as you can see in this timelapse, the process is completed in just a day on-site.
QuadPod
Sanctum Garden Studios QuadPod range is one of the most popular small garden rooms with readers of this site. They love the contemporary cubist style and Cedar cladding. They also like that the QuadPod range comes in several popular sizes. The smallest, the QuadPod Micro, at 2.4m wide by 1.8m deep (8ft x 6ft), is one of the smallest garden rooms on the market.
Prices start at £10,995, including VAT, foundation and installation for the Micro rising to £13,995 for the largest option, the Maxi, which is 3.6m wide by 2.4m deep ( 12ft x 8ft).
As well as choosing from the four different sizes, you can choose between two different styles, the QuadPod Office and the QuadPod Studio. The Office option features an opening window perfectly positioned at desk height, while the Studio option has a large floor-to-ceiling window on the front elevation.
In this article we thoroughly explored the QuadPod Range, looking at the two styles and the different size options.
Contemporary Range
Sanctum Garden Studios Contemporary Range offers you greater flexibility in size, layout and finishes than the Hampton & QuadPod ranges. On their website, Sanctum Garden Studios list the prices for popular sizes, but they can work with you to create a more bespoke size if that is what you require.
As the name suggests, the Contemporary Range is full of modern, on-trend design features, such as Western Red Cedar cladding to the front, Tanalised Redwood to the rear and sides (with the option to upgrade to Western Red Cedar), Anthracite Grey door and window frames, a light-filled interior of white finished walls and ceiling (with the option to upgrade to a plasterboard or plastered and painted finish), and durable laminate flooring.
The range starts at £13,995, including VAT, foundation and installation, for a 2.4m x 2.4m (8ft x 8ft) studio, which is very competitive for this level of specification.
The Contemporary Range comes in two styles: Cubed and Overhang. With the Cubed option, the wall cladding runs straight to the intersection with the roofline; this is a very sharp look.
With the Overhang option, the roof structure extends 200mm beyond the walls creating a nice eaves detail that softens the lines of the building. The eaves detail has dark grey trims, which neatly match the door and window frames.
Whatever range you choose, when buying from Sanctum Garden Studios, the only extra cost you have in addition to the price they quote you is for the electrical hook-up to your house. This type of pricing policy offers peace of mind, especially now.
To learn more about Sanctum Garden Studios, take a look at their website, chat with the team on 01257 279 161 or email them at info@sanctumgardenstudios.com.
