This is how much a garden room costs, plus the one thing experts say you should never scrimp on to reduce the cost

If you want to create a room in the garden, then you'll need to have a clear understanding of how much a garden room costs.

After all, that's a key part of knowing how to create a garden room. Your budget will determine the size and design of your structure, how you use it and where you can locate it.

To help you start the budgeting process, I've spoken to multiple garden room experts to find out not only how much a garden room costs to purchase, but also the hidden costs that may crop up, the long-term costs you need to factor in, and importantly, how you can reduce the price without compromising on quality.

How much does a garden room cost?

Garden room costs can vary dramatically depending on various factors, explains garden room expert, Sam Jenkinson from Tiger. 'The cost of a garden room varies depending on size, materials, and specification. Entry level models such as log cabins can start from around £800 while fully insulated, bespoke modular garden rooms with electrics and internal finishes can range from £14,000 to £20,000+.'

However, Andrew Porwol, garden and landscape expert and founder of Garden Centre Shopping, says it's possible for the prices to go even higher: 'The cost of a garden room in the UK typically starts at around £10,000–£15,000 for a basic, insulated structure, but for a high-quality, fully equipped space with electrics, heating, and custom finishes, prices can range from £25,000 to £50,000+.'

What are the long-term costs of a garden room?

As well as the purchase and installation costs, you'll need to factor in any ongoing costs that you might be subject to.

If you bring heat, electrics and water to your garden room, then you can expect your bills to go up. But remember that your garden room is unlikely to be used as much as your home, so the increase in bills is likely to be relatively small.

But at a time when the cost of living is still high, the idea of higher bills is never welcome. However, there are ways that you can keep those increases as small as possible.

• Make sure your garden room is well insulated, so that whatever heat you do generate doesn't escape through the structure
• Use low energy lightbulbs
• Seal any drafts around windows and doors
• Use smart plugs so you can turn any devices off rather than leaving them in stand-by mode
• Add solar panels to the roof. This will understandably add to the initial cost, but if your garden room is going to be used a lot, and you want to reduce your energy consumption, this could be a worthy investment.

What affects the cost of a garden room?

'Garden rooms come in all shapes and sizes, this means that their cost can vary depending on factors such as size, material, insulation, and any added features, ' explains Sam Jenkinson. 'On top of that, there is the cost of installation and labour that can have an impact on how much you might need to spend to achieve your dream garden room.'

So if you are settling on your garden room ideas, make sure you consider the factors that can affect the final price before you commit to one:

• The materials you use. 'Many garden rooms are made of timber and the quality and price of this can vary massively depending on the type of timber and very importantly, where in the world it is grown,’ says Peter Mortin, garden expert at Crane Garden Buildings. 'If timber is grown at higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere it is slower growing, and this makes the timber denser. This, combined with surface protective coatings, make the timber longer lasting. For example, Scottish-grown pine grows relatively quickly, reaching harvest time in about 50 years, while northern-grown Scandinavian timber will normally take 90 to 100 years before it reaches harvest time. This makes it nearly twice as dense and thus longer lasting. But due to this extended growing time, it is much more expensive to buy.'
• The size and design. A small simple box shape will be more cost-effective than a large room with additional features like additional glazing or a canopy. Bringing heat and power to the garden room will also add to the cost.
• The installation route you choose. You can choose a flat pack garden room that you can install yourself, which will reduce costs. But you will need to be skilled enough to put it together effectively. If not, it's best to pay a bit extra and have a professional install it for you. If your ideal garden room includes heating, lighting and lots of glazing, the installation should be left to a professional.
• What you plan on using the room for. A simple room in which to read and enjoy the garden will cost less than, say, a home gym that will require specialise equipment and potential reinforcement of the structure.

What are some hidden garden room costs to look out for?

When you're budgeting for your garden room, it's important to not just focus on the cost of the building itself, but also the less obvious costs that could have a serious impact on the price.

The cost of any garden room planning permission or building regulations is an important one. Depending on the proposed size and location and intended use of your garden room, this may not be required, but it's always best to check with your local authority and your garden room seller to check.

You should also check what exactly your purchase price includes. If it's the building only, then you will have to factor in the cost of installation and any special features you want. It's also wise to check whether VAT is included in any quotes you get.

Preparing the site for your garden room is another potential cost that often get's forgotten. The area will need to be cleared and levelled and a foundation will need to be laid. Some of this may be able to be done on a DIY basis, but it's important you can complete this step competently, otherwise it could end up costing more in remedial work.

If you plan on having electrics, heat and even a WC in your garden room, you will need to factor in the cost of connecting utilities and any waste water measures.

How can I reduce the cost of a garden room?

Depending on the type of garden room you are looking to achieve, it can be expensive. And so knowing how to reduce the cost will be vital for many homeowners. But you'll need to be careful about where you cut costs in order to not compromise on quality.

'You need to think carefully about where you are willing to make compromises, says Rebecca Blott, co-founder of Castle Garden Rooms. 'The golden rule is to never cut corners on the structure. A well-built frame and base will last for decades, whereas if the underlying structure is poor, you could end up replacing the whole building within a few years.'

Opting for a simple design and holding off on non-essential features can work wonders on making your dream garden room more affordable, as Rebecca explains: 'Architectural features like wing-walls or slot windows look amazing, but they will add cost to your build without necessarily improving the functionality of the space. The same applies to luxury add-ons such as underfloor heating or air conditioning. These items are expensive and often not essential, particularly if the garden room is only used occasionally.'

You could also speak to your garden room provider about the potential of futureproofing the design so that you can add some more features at a later date, allowing you to spread the cost and make it more manageable.

Can you install a garden room yourself to save money?

Installing your garden room yourself is another way to reduce costs, but this will depend on your skillset and the spec of your garden room. A competent DIYer may be able to assemble a simple summer house, but for more complex designs, involving large amounts of glass or heating and electrics should be installed by trained professionals to ensure it's done safely and properly.

FAQs

Will a garden room add value to your home?

Done well, a garden room can add value to your home, thanks to the additional living space it can provide.

However, if you plan on designing your garden room around a very specific purpose, such as a home gym, then it has the potential to put off potential buyers who may not want to use the room in the same way.

If you are installing a garden room and you have plans to move in the future, try to keep the garden room's purpose as flexible as possible to avoid pigeon holing it.

It's important to check the rules and regulations in your area so you can be sure your garden room isn't breaking the law without you realising it.