Dreaming of ditching your dining table desk setup? You’re not alone. Garden rooms in the UK typically cost between £5,000 and £50,000, depending on what you’re building and how fancy you want to get. Whether you're after a peaceful garden office, a personal gym, or your very own Netflix cave, this guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay, and why. Let’s dive into what really drives the cost (and how not to get ripped off).
So, how much should you expect to pay for a garden room? There’s a wide range, and it's all about what you're building and how you plan to use it.
Here’s a rough guide to what you’ll pay, based on size:
Small (2.5m x 2.5m): £5,000 – £15,000
Think compact studio, tiny office, or hobby nook.
Medium (3m x 4m): £15,000 – £30,000
Perfect for home gyms, yoga spaces, or spacious offices.
Large (5m x 4m+): £30,000 – £50,000+
Ideal for guest suites, multi-use spaces, or entertainment rooms.
Bigger rooms mean more materials, more labour, and a bigger dent in your bank account.
If you're the spreadsheet type, here’s a simple metric:
Expect to pay £1,500–£2,500 per square metre.
Lower end = basic finish, DIY kits
Higher end = custom build, quality materials, and full install
This helps when comparing suppliers or planning your dream layout.
Not every quote tells the full story. Let’s break down what you’re really paying for.
Fancy getting your hands dirty? Flat-pack garden rooms or kits can start from £5,000, but you’ll need to sort the base, electrics, and all the finishing touches yourself.
Great if you're handy with a drill and on a tight budget. Just know, it’s a project, not a weekend job.
Want to sip tea while someone else builds your dream garden space? That’s where fully managed builds come in.
These typically range from £15,000 to £50,000, depending on what’s included. You’ll usually get:
Design consultation
Installation
Electrics and lighting
Insulation and heating
Internal finishes
It’s more expensive, but it’s also stress-free and professional.
Before signing anything, ask for a detailed breakdown. Look out for:
VAT included?
Foundations included or extra?
Are the electrics basic or premium?
Is plastering and flooring part of the deal?
Always compare apples to apples, quotes vary wildly depending on what’s packed in.
Every garden room build is unique. The cost depends on a mix of choices, from layout to luxury finishes.
A basic square box will always cost less than a bespoke, cedar-clad garden lounge with bi-folds. Add custom shapes or split-levels, and prices jump.
Keep it simple if you’re budget-conscious.
Your material choices matter. Here’s a quick guide:
Timber cladding looks great and is moderately priced
Composite cladding lasts longer, low-maintenance, slightly pricier
uPVC is budget-friendly but has a more basic finish
Insulation and glazing affect year-round use, and your bills
Better materials = better comfort and durability.
Concrete slabs are sturdy but cost more and need time to cure
Ground screws are faster, cheaper, and better for tricky terrain
Your builder will usually recommend the best option for your site.
Extras can really stack up, but they also turn your garden room into a truly liveable space.
Expect £1,000–£2,500 for a decent setup. Downlights, sockets, fuse boards, don’t skip the essentials.
A plug-in heater might do in summer. But for all-year use, consider:
Wall-mounted heaters: £300–£600
Underfloor heating: £1,000+
Air con units: £2,000+
Basic MDF panels? Cheap. But for a home-like finish, go plasterboard, plaster, and quality flooring, £1,000–£3,000 extra, depending on size.
Adding plumbing is a game changer, and a cost booster. A simple loo and basin can add £5,000–£10,000, depending on your setup and access to mains.
There are always sneaky extras no one talks about upfront.
If your garden’s a jungle or on a slope, you’ll need prep work first. Clearing, levelling, and drainage can easily add £500–£3,000.
Got a sink, toilet, or kitchenette in your plans? If the garden room sits far from your house, this can be costly. Think £1,000–£5,000+ depending on the route and ground conditions.
Most builds fall under permitted development, but if yours is large, extra tall, or close to a boundary, you may need permission. Budget £200–£500 for drawings and applications, just in case.
Yes, but you’ll need to tread carefully.
Seen a full-size garden office advertised for £3,999? Sounds amazing, until winter hits and you’re working in a damp wooden shed with no insulation.
Cheap builds often skip essentials like proper electrics, heating, and insulation. You get what you pay for.
A quality garden room can last 20+ years and even increase your home’s value.
Spending more on durability, comfort, and finishes might cost more now, but saves money (and headaches) long-term.
If you're wondering how much does a garden house cost or trying to figure out how much an outdoor building costs in the UK, here's how to get the numbers right:
Decide what you need: Is it an office, guest room, or gym?
Get 2–3 quotes from reputable suppliers
Ask for a full breakdown including electrics, foundations, VAT, and finishes
Check online reviews and ask to see previous projects
Want a brick-built garden room or something super modern? Expect to pay more, but the right quote will make sure it’s worth it.
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