What is a Garden Room?

A garden room is a stand-alone building in your garden, separate from the main house. It can be used year-round if built to proper specs and serves as a home office, gym, studio, guest room, or chill-out space.

Popular Uses

• Home office (especially post-pandemic)
• Home gym
• Art/music studio
• Teenager hangout or games room
• Guest accommodation (with WC or en suite)
• Garden bar or hobby room

Types of Garden Room

1. Off-the-shelf modular units – Quick install, less customisation

2. Bespoke designs – Fully tailored, integrated features

3. DIY kits – Cost-effective if you’ve got the skills

Key Features

• Fully insulated for year-round use
• Double/triple glazing
• Electricity and lighting
• Options for heating, plumbing (toilet/shower), air con
• Cladding options: cedar, composite, render, etc.
• Green roofs or living walls for eco appeal

Planning Permission

Most garden rooms don’t need planning permission if they fall under Permitted Development, meaning:

• Single-storey
• Max 2.5m height if within 2m of boundary
• Not used as a separate dwelling
• Must be incidental to the main house (e.g., not a bedroom)
• No balconies or verandas

You will need planning permission if:

• You’re in a conservation area, AONB, or listed property
• You want to use it as a self-contained annexe

Building Regulations

Not usually required unless:

• The room is over 30m²
• You’re installing plumbing for a bathroom/kitchen
• You want to sleep in it regularly (as an annexe)

Estimated Costs (UK 2025)

• Basic pod (office use): £8,000–£15,000
• Mid-range (insulated, powered, custom size): £15,000–£30,000
• High-end (with bathroom/shower, luxury finishes): £30,000–£50,000+

Added Value

A well-designed garden room can increase property value by 5–15%, especially when marketed as a WFH solution or luxury amenity.