Fancy doing yoga in your PJs or soaking in a spa just steps from the kettle? Garden rooms make it possible! So, how much does a garden room cost? Short answer: £8,000–£50,000+. Keep reading to discover what affects the price—and how to create your dream gym or retreat.
Understanding Average Garden Room Costs: What to Expect
The Broad Price Range for Garden Rooms in the UK
Let’s not sugar-coat it—garden rooms don’t come in a one-size-fits-all box. Costs can swing dramatically based on size, purpose, and the level of finish you’re after. For a simple studio setup, you might pay around £9,000–£15,000. But if you're after a luxury, all-singing, all-dancing wellness retreat with electrics, heating, and maybe even a bathroom? You’re easily looking at £40,000–£65,000+.
So what’s driving that range?
Size matters: A compact pod vs. a 6m-wide multi-zone space? Worlds apart.
Design choices: Sleek sliding doors, underfloor heating, spa-level insulation? All add up.
Quality of materials: Sustainable timber, composite cladding, triple glazing—premium looks come at a price.
Garden Room Cost Per Square Metre (m²)
If you like to crunch your numbers per square metre (and who doesn’t when budgeting?), here's your ballpark:
Basic build: Around £1,000–£1,500/m²
Mid-range: Between £1,500–£2,200/m²
Luxury/high-spec: £2,500–£3,000+/m²
Why such a spread? Well, a 10m² pod with a plasterboard interior and uPVC windows will cost far less per m² than a 25m² cedar-clad structure with aluminium bi-folds and a green roof. It's like comparing a hatchback to a Tesla—they’re both cars, but the ride’s very different.
Average Garden Room Costs by Size
Let’s break it down by footprint:
| Garden Room Size | Dimensions (approx.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2m x 2m – 3m x 3m | £9,000 – £17,000 |
| Medium | 4m x 3m – 5m x 4m | £17,000 – £30,000 |
| Large | 6m x 4m and above | £30,000 – £60,000+ |
Small spaces are perfect for reading rooms, yoga studios, or an office for one.
Medium rooms hit the sweet spot for home gyms or shared wellness areas.
Large builds are your full-on annexes—with room to stretch, soak, and maybe even sleep.
Costs for Specific Use Cases
Garden Office: Typically £10,000–£25,000, depending on insulation, electrics, and finish.
Garden Gym: Add reinforced flooring, ventilation, and possibly soundproofing—£18,000–£35,000+.
Garden Spa or Annexe: With plumbing, heating, and extras like a shower or kitchenette? Expect £30,000–£65,000+.
The more features you add—like infrared saunas, spa showers, or heavy gym kit—the more your budget needs to flex.
Key Factors That Influence Your Garden Room's Price Tag
1. Build Method: Kit vs. Modular vs. Bespoke
DIY Kits: Great for budget builds. You could spend under £10,000, but it demands time, tools, and a solid skillset.
Modular Rooms: A middle-ground option with decent customisation. Prices start around £12,000–£30,000.
Bespoke Builds: Think architect-designed, hand-finished, and made for your garden. Expect £30,000–£60,000+.
If your dream involves built-in shelving, spa lighting, or a hot yoga zone, bespoke is likely your path.
2. Materials and Finishes
Your choices here really shape the final price.
Cladding: Treated softwood is cheaper, while cedar or composite adds £££ and wow-factor.
Roofing: A flat EPDM roof is cost-effective. Sedum or tiled roofs add beauty and insulation, but also costs.
Windows & Doors: uPVC keeps things affordable, while aluminium-framed bi-folds can seriously elevate the look—and the price.
Interior Finishes: From bare OSB boards to plastered, painted, and LVT-floored luxury.
3. Level of Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Standard Insulation: PIR board or mineral wool might do for summer use.
High-Performance/SIPs: Best for year-round comfort—especially if you're working out in winter or enjoying evening spa sessions.
Better insulation = lower heating bills. And if you want to install underfloor heating, start with great U-values.
4. Electrics, Heating, and Connectivity
Basic electrics (lights, sockets, consumer unit): Often included.
Heating: Electric radiators are common, while air-con or underfloor heating cost more.
Internet: Wi-Fi boosters might do, but if you’re livestreaming yoga or Zooming from your gym, trenching in Ethernet may be worth the investment.
5. Foundation Type and Groundwork
Ground Screws: Quick and eco-friendly. Ideal for soft ground.
Concrete Slab: Strong and durable, but more disruptive.
Concrete Pads: A cost-effective hybrid.
Groundworks can cost £1,000–£4,000+, depending on your soil and access.
6. Location and Labour Costs
London & South East: Higher labour rates—expect to pay 10–20% more.
Remote or tricky access: Think narrow alleyways or sloped gardens—can increase time and fees.
Additional and Potential "Hidden" Garden Room Costs to Budget For
1. Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Many garden rooms fall under permitted development, but:
If it’s over 2.5m high, near a boundary, or includes plumbing? You may need permission.
Costs: Applications, drawings, surveys could run £500–£2,000.
2. Delivery and Installation Fees
Larger modular units may incur delivery charges of £200–£1,000+.
Installer day rates typically range from £150–£250/day, depending on region.
3. Interior Fit-Out, Decorating, and Furnishing
Don’t forget:
Paint, feature walls, blinds, and shelving can add £500–£3,000+.
Spa loungers, gym equipment, massage tables... the sky's the limit!
4. Plumbing and Drainage (if applicable)
If you're adding water:
Trenching and connecting to mains may cost £2,000–£5,000+.
Fixtures like a shower or macerating toilet? Another £500–£2,500+.
5. Landscaping and External Finishing
New deck? Stepping stones? Fresh beds of lavender? Expect £500–£3,000+ for tidy transitions from garden to room.
6. Professional Fees
Bespoke builds may need:
Architects
Structural engineers
Independent trades (not in package deals)
All of which can push your project up by £1,000–£5,000+.
How to Reduce Your Garden Room Cost
1. Opt for a Standard Size and Simple Design
Avoid custom sizes or complex rooflines. Keep it rectangular and you’ll keep it affordable.
2. Choose Cost-Effective Materials and Finishes
Treated timber over cedar. Laminate over oak. Downlight spots instead of pendant features.
3. Consider a DIY Interior Fit-Out
Paint it yourself. Add furniture over time. Upcycle where you can.
4. Compare Quotes from Multiple Suppliers
Prices can vary wildly. Ask what’s included—and what’s not.
5. Understand Permitted Development Rights
Stay within those rules, and you could dodge planning fees altogether.
Is a Garden Room a Good Investment for Your Home?
Adding Value to Your Property
A well-designed garden room can boost your home’s value by 5–15%, depending on your area and the room’s finish. Buyers love flexible extra space—especially post-pandemic.
Lifestyle Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness vs. an Extension
Cheaper than building a home extension.
Less disruptive than major renovations.
Faster—many garden rooms go up in under a month.
Lower running costs, especially if well-insulated.
And let’s face it—having a gym, spa, or office in your own garden? It’s lifestyle gold.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision on Your Garden Room Budget
Recap Key Cost Drivers and Budgeting Tips
From size and spec to materials and location, your garden room cost can vary a lot. But by planning ahead and understanding the key costs, you’ll avoid surprises.
Emphasise Value Beyond Just the Upfront Price
A garden room isn’t just a shed—it’s an escape pod. A sanctuary. A place to move, breathe, and recharge. That’s priceless.
Advise on Thorough Research and Professional Consultation
Talk to suppliers. Visit showrooms. Read reviews. And when in doubt—ask questions. This is your space. Make it amazing.
Ready to Build Your Garden Gym or Spa Retreat?
Call us today on 0330 0430 089 or email support@totalgymstore.co.uk to explore your options. Whether it’s a space to move or a place to breathe, we’ll help you make it real.
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