When planning a garden room, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost.
Whether you’re looking to create a dedicated home office, gym or living space, garden rooms offer a cost-effective way to extend your home without the disruption and expense of a full extension.
However, garden room prices can and do vary depending on several factors, such as size, materials and features.
In this guide, we’ll look at all you need to know on garden room costs, what influences the price and what to expect when budgeting for your project.
How Much Does a Garden Room Cost?
The first question most people ask is, ‘How much does a garden room cost?’
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £10,000 to £35,000 for a fully insulated, high-quality garden room.
Anything cheaper than this will likely result in a basic structure that lacks any sort of insulation or durability. This is no good if you plan to use the garden room throughout the year. Read more on insulated vs non-insulated garden rooms.
Anything more expensive than this range should offer high-end customisation options, smart technology integration and more.
Here’s a break down of that garden room cost range:
- £10,000 to £15,000: Usually for smaller garden rooms (around 2m to 3m square. This gives you enough space for a compact office or hobby room.
- £15,000 to £25,000: This price range covers most small to medium-sized garden rooms. These spaces often include more flexible uses such as sleeping accommodation, a home office with additional storage or seating areas or a good gym set up.
- £25,000 to £35,000+: Larger, bespoke garden rooms (5m and above) with premium features such as smart technology, bi-fold doors and more high-end finishes.
These prices include installation, insulation and basic interior finishes but may not cover extras like smart technology or additional customisations. You can read more on garden room sizes here and get some fantastic garden room ideas here for inspiration.
What’s Included in the Cost of a Garden Room?
When comparing garden room costs, you need to know exactly what’s included in the price. Some companies offer a base price with minimal inclusions, while others provide an all-inclusive package.
At Lux Garden Rooms, our pricing covers everything you need (and a little bit more) to get started. This includes everything from foundations and base to timber structure, roofing, high-grade insulation, flooring, electrical fittings, cladding, windows and doors – we make sure there are no hidden surprises.
Here’s what you should expect to be included in the quoted price of a high-quality garden room:
- Foundations – Most garden rooms come with either steel ground screw or plinth foundations included in the price. This provides a sturdy and stable base for your structure.
- Insulation – Insulation in the walls, roof and floor is crucial for year-round use. Most modern garden rooms come fully insulated, but it’s worth confirming if this is included in the price. Don’t be suckered into the very low costs of some ‘garden rooms’, which are in fact nice looking sheds.
- Doors and windows – Standard configurations, such as uPVC windows and doors, are usually included. However, any upgrades (e.g. bifold doors or triple glazing) will increase the price.
- Electrical fittings – A standard garden room should include internal wiring for lighting and power outlets. Some packages also offer additional features like Wi-Fi-controlled heating or external lighting.
- Interior finishes – Basic plasterboard walls and ceilings, along with laminate flooring should be included in the base price. At Lux Garden Rooms, we offer high-quality finishes as standard, including plastering, premium laminate flooring and painted walls.
- Roofing and exterior finishing – Most garden rooms come with high-quality roofing materials like EPDM membranes. Exterior cladding is usually included and can range from standard Redwood to premium finishes like red cedar or African iroko, depending on the design.
Key Factors That Influence Garden Room Costs
Understanding what contributes to the cost of a garden room can help you make better decisions when planning your project. Here are the main factors that influence the price:
1. Size
The size of your garden room is the most significant factor when determining the cost. Larger rooms require more materials, labour and time to build, which naturally increases the price.
Small garden rooms are perfect for basic home offices or hobby spaces and fall on the lower end of the price range. Meanwhile, larger rooms (5m x 4m and up) can serve as multi-functional spaces, increasing the overall cost due to their complexity and size.
2. Materials
The materials used in the construction of the garden room play a significant role in the final cost.
High-quality materials such as SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) and premium external cladding like red cedar can increase the price.
Modern garden rooms often use the same construction techniques and materials found in timber frame houses, making sure they are highly durable and thermally efficient, but this comes at a higher cost compared to more basic structures.
3. Features and Customisations
Customisation can greatly affect garden room prices. However, these are important as you want to make the space yours.
Features such as air conditioning, bifold door, underfloor heating, custom lighting or an overhang with external lighting can add both comfort and functionality but increase the overall cost.
For example, a basic garden room might come with standard uPVC doors and windows, while a higher-end model could feature large, glazed bifold doors that open up the space to your garden.
Smart features are also a popular upgrading to your garden room. Wifi controlled heating, bluetooth radiators and programmable infrared panels will increase the cost but offers an improved experience for you.
Adding a bar area, internal storage room, decking or a canopy for outdoor dining will require more materials and labour, which will increase the cost.
If you’re still thinking about uses, check out our post on garden room ideas for some inspiration.
What Are the Hidden Costs of a Garden Room To Look Out For?
Although the base price of a garden room should be relatively straightforward, there are some potential hidden costs to keep in mind.
Make sure these are covered in the initial quote:
- Delivery – Most companies include free delivery within a certain radius, but delivery costs can increase if you live outside this area.
- Planning Permission – While most garden rooms fall under permitted development, larger builds or those in conservation areas may require planning permission, which can add to the cost. We take care of any planning permission requirements on your behalf. Read more on garden room planning permission.
- VAT – Ensure the prices you are quoted include VAT. Some companies exclude VAT in their initial quotes, which can lead to unexpected increases.
- Final electrical hook-up – Most garden rooms include internal wiring, but some don’t include the connection to your home’s main electrical system. Check this as it will require additional work from a local electrician.
At Lux we keep everything as transparent and clear as possible with no hidden costs to bite you in the behind once the project starts. Take a look at our garden room costs and what’s included in our designs.
How much do garden rooms cost to run?
The running costs of a well-insulated garden room are fairly low and should come in between £10-50 a month. This depends on your use and how the garden room is set up for heating etc, which will be the main running cost.
You can find much more detailed information on garden room running costs here.
Garden Room Costs vs Home Extensions
One of the major advantages of a garden room is that it’s generally much more cost-effective and quicker to install than a traditional home extension.
According to Checkatrade.com, the average cost for a 20m2 extension is £48,000. For a medium extension of 30m2, the average costs jump up to £72,000.
A super high end garden room built to home standards with full insulation will cost half or even less than these average prices.
This isn’t to mention structural work and months of disruption. With an insulated garden room, the whole build process takes around three weeks from foundations to final fixtures.
Read more on are garden rooms cheaper than an extension.
Setting Your Budget for a Garden Room
When planning your garden room, it’s essential to set a budget that reflects the size, materials and features you need.
While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, investing in a fully insulated, high-quality garden room will provide better value in the long term, allowing you to use the room year-round and enhancing your property’s value – one of the many benefits of adding a garden room to your home.
Looking to take your garden room thoughts further?
Now that you understand the costs and benefits of garden rooms, it’s time to take the next step towards your perfect outdoor retreat.
You can explore our garden room gallery of some previous projects and learn about our comprehensive design, build and installation process, which makes sure you have a smooth experience from concept to completion.
Contact us today for a no-obligation, tailored quote that fits your specific needs and financial plans.
“We are absolutely delighted. Our experience was excellent, Sean and David were incredibly helpful throughout, from initial site visit to completion. Always attentive and happy to advise, they understood what we needed and ensured that the design was put together as expected. The installation team did an incredible job with high-quality work and attention to detail.”
Mr & Mrs Van Damms, Manchester
FAQs on garden room costs
What is the average cost of a garden room?
On average, garden room costs range from £10,000 to £35,000, depending on size, materials and custom features.
What’s the cheapest option for a garden room?
Basic garden rooms start at around £10,000 for small, entry-level models. But be aware, there will be additional costs if you want to make it a space you can use throughout the year.
How much does a custom garden room cost?
Bespoke garden rooms with premium features can cost upwards of £30,000, depending on the level of personalisation.
Are garden rooms worth the investment?
Yes, garden rooms are a great investment, offering additional living space and increasing property value, especially with premium insulation and smart features.
How long does it take to install a garden room?
Most garden rooms are installed within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity and size. At Lux, we average around 3 weeks from start to finish.
Can I add heating and air conditioning to my garden room?
Yes absolutely. Many garden rooms can be fitted with heating and air conditioning systems. We certainly encourage adding a heating element, whether this is a bluetooth electric radiator, underfloor heating or heating panel.
Do I need planning permission for a garden room?
Most garden rooms fall under permitted development, but larger structures or those in conservation areas may require planning permission.