A garden room is a great way to add more space to your home and provides huge flexibility for a range of different uses, whatever the weather. If you want a relaxation space in amongst nature, a home office or a children’s play area, a garden room can be adapted to suit your needs. However, with so much variation, it can be difficult to pin down an exact price for building a garden room at your home. Below, we take you through all the different variations and quotes you could expect. When looking to install a garden room, it’s worth making sure you have a clear idea of what you want, so that you can receive the most accurate quotes possible.
We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:
Average garden room costs How long does installing a garden room take? How to reduce garden room costs FAQ Your garden room checklist
Average garden room costs
Garden rooms come in all different spaces and sizes and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs and budget. Below, we’ve outlined the average costs of typical garden rooms based on building materials, styles and use. For a more in-depth view, keep reading.
| Type of garden room | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Crocodile garden room | £18,000 |
| Oak frame garden room | £15,000 |
| Brick built garden room | £22,500 |
| Self-build garden room | £2,000 |
| Children’s playhouse | £865 |
| Office garden room | £7,125 |
How much does a garden room cost?
The average garden room in the UK costs around £5,525. Although this is the average, prices can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, such as:
- The materials you use for your garden room
- Design features, such as doors and windows
- The interior of your garden room, such as plastering and cladding
- Any electrics and plumbing
- The size of your desired garden room
Whether you choose a modular garden room (pre-made modules which are then put together in your garden) or a bespoke one (a garden room made and designed from scratch)
Usually, the larger the garden room, and the more furnishings such as flooring and insulation, the more you will pay. Costs will also be determined by the average prices in your area too. For the most accurate quotes, you should speak directly to a local builder. At MyBuilder, you can contact several local builders and compare quotes to find the best price to suit your budget, all in one place.
Cost of a crocodile garden room
A crocodile garden room incorporates a glass, veranda-style roof, along with glass exterior walls. These rooms are highly energy efficient and are great for soaking up the sun.
This aesthetically appealing garden room costs £18,000 on average, but can vary based on the size and the number of doors.
Cost of an oak frame garden room
An oak frame garden room has great aesthetic appeal and can be very energy efficient. This style of garden room is also fairly quick to assemble, so is a great choice if you need your garden room built in a short time frame.
Depending on the size, the average oak frame garden room will cost between £5,000 and £30,000.
Cost of a brick built garden room
Brick built garden rooms are long lasting and tend to provide better insulation than other options.
Depending on the size, the average brick-built garden room will cost between £15,000 and £30,000.
Cost of a self-build garden room
If you’re looking to create a garden room on a budget, a self-build option is an ideal way to keep costs low.
A self-build garden room usually costs between £1,500 and £2,500.
Cost of a children’s playhouse
If you’re looking to create a new space for your children to play and explore, a garden room can also function as a children’s playhouse.
The usual cost of a children’s playhouse is between £430 and £1,300.
Cost of an office garden room
A garden room can be a great space for a home office and allows you to focus while surrounded by nature.
Depending on your budget, and how you’re planning to furnish it, a home office garden room can range from £2,500 to £11,750. Bear in mind that you may need to consider things like Wi-Fi access, electricity and heating, which may impact the cost.
Cost of additional items
In addition to the costs associated with the structure of your garden room, there are costs to consider depending on what interiors and furnishings you want for the space.
If you want to add flooring to your garden room, laminate flooring, for example, will cost between £15 and £80 per m² for materials alone.
Need to plaster your garden room? This will cost between £1,100 and £1,900, depending on the size. For additional painting and decorating costs, it’s best to consult a local painter or decorator for exact quotes.
With a space like a garden room, you’ll want to ensure you have proper insulation to cope with all weather conditions. Depending on the size of your room, and the type of insulation you use, this will range from £500 to £1,500.
If you want a small sink area for at-home working, or perhaps washing facilities for a home gym, you’ll need to add plumbing. This cost will vary considerably, so it’s best to consult with a local plumber for the most accurate pricing.
Likewise, you may want to consider adding electrics if you’re looking to create a games room or home office. For a small garden room, the cost of wiring will be around £1,000.
How long does installing a garden room take?
If you’re installing a garden room, it’s good to keep in mind the timescale of your project. Below, we’ve summarised the usual time scale of different garden room projects.
| Type of garden room | Average time taken |
|---|---|
| Crocodile garden room | One to two weeks |
| Oak frame garden room | Two to three days |
| Brick built garden room | Two to five days |
| Self-build garden room | One to three days |
| Children’s playhouse | One to three days |
| Office garden room | One to two weeks |
How to reduce garden room costs
Want some extra space in your home, but want to keep costs low? Here are a few ways to save money, while also enjoying a new garden room.
- Do it yourself – Doing elements of a project yourself is a great way to save money. Whether you self-build your garden room from scratch or carry out simpler tasks such as flooring and decorating, this can help keep costs low. However, we recommend always hiring a professional to complete the more complex building work.
- Explore cheaper and more gradual options – Although creating an extensive garden room is tempting, it might not always be in your budget to complete all the work in one go. Instead, it’s worth exploring cheaper and more gradual options. For example, it may be best to start by focusing on the foundations and structure of your garden room first, and then add interiors and furnishing later down the line.
- Source materials and items yourself – If you want to decrease costs, finding your own supplies can be a great way to keep costs down. By shopping around DIY stores and builders’ merchants, you can browse sales and shop the best deals.
- Hire a reliable tradesperson – Often, hiring a reliable tradesperson saves you money in the long term. Although installing a garden room yourself can save you money, a faulty structure can be dangerous, and it can set you back in the long run if built poorly. By hiring a reliable tradesperson, you can ensure that the project is completed safely, and to a good standard.
FAQ
Do I need planning permission?
Most garden rooms don’t require planning permission, as they are classed as outbuildings. However, rules and regulations vary based on your local area, so it’s worth double checking with your local authority.
Can I fit electrics in a garden room myself?
Unless you are trained in fitting gas and electrics, it is not safe to do so. Hiring a qualified tradesperson will ensure electrics are fitted safely.
Can I build a garden room myself?
Although installing a garden room yourself can save on labour costs, if you don’t have previous experience, then you risk a poorly built structure that could even be dangerous to use. The best thing to do is hire a reliable builder local to you who can advise on building a garden room safely.
Your garden room checklist
Hoping to get your garden room up and running without a hitch? For confidence in your project, follow these steps.
- Plan beforehand – Make sure to consider the space you’re working with, and what type of garden room would suit your needs. A garden room can be a big undertaking, so it’s worth knowing exactly what you want before starting out.
- Calculate your budget – Before starting on a new project, be sure to budget accordingly, and consider what garden room design works best for your finances.
- Speak to local builders for advice and discuss viable options – Through the MyBuilder website, you can contact several local tradespeople to discuss their quotes, previous experience and options for your project, all in one place.
Need to find a reliable builder to install your garden room? MyBuilder can help. Simply create your free job post, and our website will match you to reliable, qualified tradespeople in your area.