What to Consider When Buying a Garden Room – Expert Guide

Thinking of escaping to the garden for peace, work, or a sneaky nap? Garden rooms are your stylish answer, but don’t rush it.
Short answer: consider purpose, space, insulation, budget, and design. Why keep reading? Because picking the right one means avoiding costly regrets and cold afternoons with no Wi-Fi!

1. Primary Use: What is it REALLY for?

A Home Office vs. a Gym vs. a Hobby Room

Before diving into the Pinterest boards and glossy catalogues, pause. What will you actually use the garden room for?

Will it be your remote work HQ? A gym to dodge monthly fees and shared lockers? Or maybe that art studio you've always dreamed of? Your answer here changes everything.

For example, a garden office needs plenty of plug sockets, decent heating, and solid insulation. But if it’s a home gym, you’ll need reinforced flooring and maybe taller ceilings for jumping jacks or squats. Hobby rooms thrive on natural light and flexible layouts, think big windows and space to spread out.

How the use dictates size, layout, and features

One size definitely doesn’t fit all.
A laptop and chair don’t demand much, but a treadmill or pottery wheel? That’s a different story.

Your intended use will shape:

• How large your garden room needs to be

• Whether you want an open-plan layout or separate zones

• What kind of doors, windows, and flooring you’ll need

Form should always follow function. Get this right, and the rest falls into place.

2. Planning Permission: Do You Need It?

A Quick Guide to Permitted Development Rights

Here’s the bit most people get nervous about, planning permission.
Luckily, most garden rooms in the UK don’t need it, thanks to Permitted Development Rights.

If your design follows the basic rules, you're good to go.
That means less paperwork and faster builds.

Height, Location, and Size Restrictions

Here’s what you need to know at a glance:

• Max height of 2.5m if it's within 2m of a boundary

• No more than 50% of your garden can be taken up by buildings

• The room must be for personal use, not permanent living or letting

Stick to those limits, and planning should be a breeze.

3. The Base and Foundations

Is the base included in the price?

Here’s where things get sneaky. Many suppliers don’t include the base in the advertised price.
Always ask if the base is included, or you might face a last-minute bill.

It’s like buying a car and realising tyres cost extra. Not ideal.

Understanding the different types and their suitability for your garden

Different gardens need different solutions.
Here’s the lowdown:

• Concrete base: Super strong and long-lasting, great for big or heavy builds

• Ground screws: Less mess, faster install, ideal for uneven or softer ground

• Timber frame base: Cheaper and perfect for level, dry gardens

Looking for the cheapest garden room base? Timber’s your friend, but only if your site is suitable.

4. Build Quality and Materials

Insulation: The key to year-round use (SIPs vs. Timber Frame)

Ever tried working in a garden room in January without insulation? Let’s not.
Good insulation is what turns a garden room into a proper room.

Two main systems dominate:

• SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels): Energy-efficient and fast to install

• Timber frame with layered insulation: More flexible but may need thicker walls to match performance

If you plan to use your room all year, don’t skimp here.

Cladding: Aesthetics vs. Maintenance (Cedar, Larch, Composite)

Your cladding makes the first impression, make it count.
Cedar cladding looks stunning but fades to grey unless treated yearly.
Larch is tough, cost-effective, and popular in traditional builds.
Composite is the low-maintenance hero. It won’t rot, warp, or demand weekend painting duties.

Want a sleek, modern look with zero hassle? Go composite.

Roofing: Ask for EPDM Rubber

Forget old felt roofs.
EPDM rubber roofing is the new standard, watertight, long-lasting, and clean-looking.

It handles the British weather without splitting, sagging, or making your life difficult.
Ask for it by name.

5. Windows and Doors

Security: Are they insurance-grade? (Multipoint locking)

You wouldn’t leave your house unlocked, don’t do it with your garden room either.
Look for insurance-approved locks, multipoint locking systems, and laminated or toughened glass.

This is especially important if your room doubles as a home office or stores expensive equipment.

Thermal Efficiency: uPVC vs. Aluminium and Double Glazing

Windows and doors are heat highways, and they work both ways.

• uPVC: More budget-friendly and well-insulated

• Aluminium: Sleek, modern, and often found in high-end builds

At a minimum, go for double-glazed units. Triple if you want to maximise energy efficiency.

6. The Supplier's Reputation and Guarantee

Look for reviews and case studies

A slick website means nothing without real proof.
Check Google, Trustpilot, and social media for reviews. Look for pictures, project timelines, and testimonials from people like you.

If a supplier can’t show past work, walk away.

What is the structural guarantee? (Aim for 10+ years)

A 10-year structural guarantee is standard for quality builds. Some go even higher.

If they’re only offering 1–2 years, question why.
Great garden rooms are built to last, your guarantee should match that promise.

7. The Total Price: Understanding the Full Cost

What's included? (VAT, delivery, installation, base, electrics)

Not all quotes are created equal.
Before you compare prices, compare what's included:

• Is VAT already added?

• Does it include installation, base, and electrics?

• Are plastering, flooring, or painting part of the deal?

One quote may seem cheaper, until you read the fine print.

The "hidden costs" to budget for

Don’t get caught off guard by:

• Electrical hookup to the main fuse box

• Landscaping or garden clearance

• Waste removal

• Interior decoration

Budgeting a buffer of 10–15% is a smart move. Surprises always cost more than you think.

8. The Installation Process

How long will it take?

Some builds take a couple of days. Others take a couple of weeks.
Ask about lead time and on-site time.

Also, confirm if weather delays will affect scheduling, and if they’ve got a Plan B for rain.

What access do the installers need?

Most installers need:

• Clear side access

• A nearby power supply

• Room to move large panels and tools

If access is tight, they may need to go through your house. Plan accordingly—or risk muddy boots in your hallway.

9. Electrics and Heating

Does the package include a certified electrical connection?

Not all garden rooms come wired and ready.
Ask if electrical work is included and certified, especially the connection to your home’s main supply.

DIY electrics are a no-go. Always get a qualified electrician.

What are the heating options?

There’s no central heating in your garden, so consider:

• Electric panel heaters: Affordable and easy to install

• Underfloor heating: Great for comfort, slower to warm up

• Infrared panels: Space-saving and stylish

• Portable heat pumps: Heat and cool in one device

Choose a system that suits your space, usage, and energy bills.

10. The Interior Finish

Plastered vs. non-plastered walls

Plastered walls make your garden room feel like a proper room, smooth, modern, and ready to paint.
But some cheaper builds go with OSB, MDF, or panelling.

It’s functional but not exactly stylish.

Does it include flooring, skirting, and decoration?

Make sure you ask:

• What kind of flooring is included?

• Are skirting boards fitted?

• Is it painted, or just bare plaster?

Don’t assume the finishing touches come standard, many suppliers charge extra for these.