When you need more space in your home, the first option that probably comes to mind is an extension. Maybe knocking down a wall and rejigging your layout.

Although these options are good, they are very messy, time consuming and expensive.

But what if a garden room could do the job of providing you with extra space. Just like an extension, a high quality garden room is built on solid foundations, contains insulation for the walls, roof and floor, as well as proper double glazing and electrics. Sounds good doesn’t it?

So what about the costs involved? Are garden rooms cheaper than an extension?

In almost all cases, yes garden rooms are cheaper than having a home extension. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the costs of both options, discuss the factors that influence their pricing and help you decide which one offers the best value for your needs.

How Much Does a Garden Room Cost vs an Extension?

A garden room is usually a much more affordable option than an extension. It offers you a cost-effective way to increase your living space without the structural complexities of extending your home.

On average, a good quality, insulated garden room costs between £12,000 and £35,000. This covers most garden room sizes from 10m² up to 30m².

In comparison, a standard 20m² house extension costs around £48,000, while a 30m² extension costs approximately £72,000 according to Checkatrade.com. This puts the cost of a single-story extension at over £2,000 per square metre.

To put that into perspective, our 24m² garden room comes in around £25,000 – a tad over £1,000 per square metre – half the price of a traditional home extension. And this is a high-end garden room built to home standards with full insulation and premium features, Wifi-controlled heating and high quality finishes. Read more on our designs and prices.

Factors influencing the costs of garden Rooms vs an Extension

Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons that influence the costs of garden rooms and extensions.

Garden Room

The cost of a garden room depends on various factors, including:

• Size – Larger garden rooms cost more due to the additional materials and labour required.
• Complexity – More complex designs or layouts with bespoke features will increase the cost.
• Materials – Using high-quality materials like red cedar cladding, premium flooring or advanced insulation systems increases the overall price.
• Type of contractor – Hiring a specialist garden room builder versus a general contractor can influence both the price and quality of the build.
• Additional costs – These can include planning permission (if required), delivery charges, glazing upgrades and electrical connection fees.

Home Extension

Extensions tend to be more expensive due to the following factors:

• Structural work – Extensions often require significant structural changes, such as knocking down walls or creating new foundations, which can add to the cost very quickly.
• Materials – The materials used in the extension, whether it’s brick, stone or timber, will impact the final price.
• Labour and professional fees – Hiring architects, surveyors and builders adds to the cost, and projects involving structural work will need to comply with building regulations.
• Planning permission and fees – Unlike garden rooms, most extensions require planning permission, which involves additional time and costs.

Benefits of a Garden Room

There are lots of benefits of adding a garden room to your home. When considering whether a garden room is a more cost-effective option, it’s important to weigh up these benefits:

• Affordability – Garden rooms are generally much cheaper than extensions, especially when you consider that a high-end garden room still costs half or less than a comparable extension.
• Quick installation – A garden room can be installed in as little as a couple of weeks, while extensions often take several months.
• Added property value – Garden rooms can add 5-10% to the value of your property, making them a sound investment.
• Low running costs – Insulated garden rooms are generally low cost to run, ranging from £10-50 a month to power heating and appliances. Read more on how much does a garden office cost to run here.
• Separation and flexibility – A garden room offers a unique space that’s separate from the main house. Whether you use it as a home office, gym or some kind of chilled retreat, it’s a flexible solution that avoids the disruption of a full home extension. Check out these garden room ideas.
• Easy installation – With a good garden room company, everything will be done with one point of contact. Design, planning, building, finishing and sign off should all be done by the garden room company. This is a major benefit as you’re not dealing with all the individual trades. At Lux Garden Rooms, we handle absolutely everything for you, even planning permission if required.

Benefits of an Extension

While garden rooms offer lots of clear advantages, extensions have their own benefits that may make them the right choice for certain projects:

• Increased living space – An extension adds to the core living space of your home, such as expanding your kitchen or adding another bedroom.
• Integration – Extensions integrate with your home’s existing layout and can enhance the functionality of key areas.
• Permanent value – Extensions can also add significant value to your property, especially for larger or high-end projects. Just how much value they add depends on their size and what the extension is for.

However, extensions are far more disruptive and time-consuming, with many projects taking months to complete and requiring structural work, planning permission and building regulations compliance. It’s safe to say that adding a home extension is a much bigger job.

While extensions can add significant space to your home, they come with higher upfront costs and longer construction times, often taking months to complete.

Which Is the Better Option?

So, are garden rooms cheaper than extensions?

The answer is almost always yes. A garden room can be installed for a fraction of the cost of an extension, with fewer complications, quicker installation and less disruption. For homeowners who need additional space quickly and affordably, a garden room is often the ideal solution.

That said, if you need to expand core living areas or integrate new space into your home’s structure, an extension might be worth the extra cost and time investment.

Next Steps: Get a Free Quote

If you’re considering a garden room for your home, the next step is to explore your options further.

At Lux Garden Rooms, we specialise in creating high-quality, fully insulated garden rooms tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a home office, fitness suite or multi-functional space, our team can design and build the perfect room for you. Check out our previous work and process of getting you up and running with a garden room.

Contact us today for a no-obligation, free quote and see how a garden room can transform your home.

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FAQs

Are garden rooms cheaper than house extensions?

Yes, garden rooms are generally much cheaper than house extensions. A garden room typically costs between £12,000 and £35,000, while a traditional home extension can range from an average of £48,000 to £72,000.

How long does it take to build a garden room?

A garden room can be installed in 2-3 weeks. This includes foundations and final fixtures. This is significantly quicker than a home extension, which can take 3-6 months to complete.

Do garden rooms add value to a property?

Yes, garden rooms can add 5-10% to your property’s value, making them a smart investment.

What are the main factors that affect garden room costs?

The main factors influencing garden room costs include the size of the room, the complexity of the design, the materials used, and any additional features such as smart technology or premium cladding. Other potential costs include planning permission, delivery, and electrical connections.

Do garden rooms require planning permission?

Most garden rooms fall under permitted development, meaning they don’t require planning permission. However, larger garden rooms or those in protected areas might need approval. Read more on garden room planning permission.

Is a garden room a good alternative to a home extension?

Yes, for many homeowners, a garden room offers a more affordable, quicker and less disruptive way to gain extra living space compared to a home extension. Garden rooms are ideal for home offices, gyms or entertainment areas.

Can I use a garden room year-round?

Yes, most modern garden rooms are built with high-quality insulation in the walls, floor and roof, allowing them to be used comfortably year-round. Check out our post on insulated vs non insulated garden rooms for a comparison.