Thinking of buying a garden room but not sure where to start? Quick answer: specialist makers, garden centres, or online sites all sell them. But which is best for you? Read on for honest pros, cons, and clever tips to help you pick the perfect garden room without the guesswork.
Understanding Your Options: Different Ways to Buy a Garden Room
From flat-pack kits to fully tailored architectural builds, there’s a wide spectrum of options. Here’s how they stack up.
1. DIY Retailers & Online Kit Suppliers (Budget-Friendly & Self-Assembly)
If you're handy with a drill and don’t mind deciphering instructions that come with 100 tiny screws, this might be your zone.
Think B&Q, Wickes, or niche online shops offering flat-pack garden room kits. They're budget-friendly and widely available, often with fast delivery.
Pros:
Lowest upfront cost
Quick delivery
Great for those with building skills
Cons:
Quality and insulation can vary
Customisation is limited
Installation is usually DIY or costs extra
Best For: Hobby sheds, summerhouses, or home offices in mild weather. Ideal if you love a project and want to save on labour.
2. Specialist Modular Garden Room Companies (Mid-Range & Streamlined)
This is the middle ground—more polished than a kit, but without the high-end price tag.
Firms like Waltons, Summerhouse24, offer pre-designed rooms that are built off-site and assembled quickly in your garden.
Pros:
Good value for money
Often insulated for year-round use
Faster to install than bespoke builds
Cons:
Less design flexibility
Typically limited to fixed models and sizes
Best For: Garden offices, home gyms, or playrooms where functionality meets convenience. If you want it done quickly and professionally—without breaking the bank—this is a strong choice.
3. Bespoke Garden Room Builders (High-End & Tailored)
Looking for something truly unique? This is where the magic happens.
Companies like Noah Garden Rooms, James Gray, or Hawksbeck work with you from the ground up to design your dream space—whatever that may be.
Pros:
Fully customised design and layout
Premium finishes and features
Can include plumbing, electrics, even saunas or multi-rooms
Many handle planning permissions for you
Cons:
Most expensive option
Longer lead times
Best For: Complex needs, long-term use, or luxurious finishes. Perfect for those creating home gyms, spas, studios—or any space that feels like a true extension of your home.
Key Considerations When Choosing Where to Buy
Choosing your supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about what matters most to you.
1. Your Budget
Set your budget early—and be realistic.
A flat-pack kit might start at £3,000, while a bespoke build could climb well past £30,000. Know what each tier includes so you’re not caught off guard by hidden costs like base work or electricals.
2. Desired Level of Customisation
Do you need a sleek square room for Zoom calls—or something that fits a sauna, squat rack, and yoga corner?
Modular rooms are fast and functional. Bespoke builds let you get exactly what you want, from extra doors to skylights to cedar cladding.
3. Intended Use and Required Features
Think long-term.
Want to train in January? You’ll need insulation. Planning to add a shower? You’ll need plumbing. A garden room is only as good as it is useable—day in, day out.
4. Your DIY Skill Level
Be honest: are you up for a weekend of power tools and patience?
DIY kits save money but demand effort. If that’s not your thing, it’s worth paying for pro installation.
5. Planning Permission & Building Regulations
Most garden rooms fall under permitted development—but not all.
Larger structures or those used as bedrooms or businesses may need approval. Some suppliers handle this for you. Others don’t. Always ask.
6. Warranties and Aftercare
This is your home extension—we’re not assembling IKEA furniture.
Look for suppliers that offer structural warranties, guarantees on materials, and aftercare if something goes wrong. It’s your peace of mind.
7. Reputation and Reviews
Google reviews. Trustpilot. Social media.
See what other homeowners are saying. A well-reviewed company usually means solid service and fewer headaches down the line.
Beyond the Ordinary: Bespoke Garden Room Gyms from Total Gym Store
The Total Gym Store Difference: More Than Just a Building
At Total Gym Store, we go beyond simply supplying garden rooms—we create complete, high-performance gym sanctuaries right in your garden.
No juggling tradespeople. No figuring out what equipment fits where.
We manage the whole process, connecting you with top-rated garden room builders and providing premium gym equipment, all in one seamless package.
Why Choose a Total Gym Store Bespoke Garden Gym?
Tailored to You:
We design your space around how you like to train—whether that’s HIIT, mobility, powerlifting, or Pilates. From ceiling height for overhead presses to custom flooring that cushions your joints, it’s all about fit and function.
Built for Year-Round Training:
Our garden rooms are fully insulated, weather-resistant, and engineered for performance. No more freezing through winter workouts or skipping training because the gym’s too far.
Professional Setup, Start to Finish:
We work only with trusted builders who can install quickly—often in as little as one day. Then we furnish it with industry-leading equipment from brands you know and trust.
One Team, One Vision:
You get a single point of contact and a personalised experience from design to delivery. It’s efficient, it’s premium—and it’s all about you.
The Buying Process: What to Expect
1. Initial Research & Inspiration
Start by pinning ideas, browsing online, and identifying what you love (and what you don’t). This is your mood board phase—enjoy it.
2. Consultation & Design (especially for bespoke options)
Once you’ve got a rough idea, speak to suppliers. Share your vision, your budget, and your goals. For bespoke options like ours, this is where the magic starts to take shape.
3. Quotation & Contract
You’ll get a detailed quote breaking down every aspect—structure, finish, electrics, and more. Ask questions, get clarity, and only sign when you’re happy.
4. Site Preparation (often your responsibility)
Most companies will need a flat, clear base. You might need to prep the area ahead of time—check who’s responsible and factor that into your timeline.
5. Installation & Completion
Depending on the supplier, your garden room could be ready in a day or take a few weeks. Modular and bespoke builds will usually include professional installation.
6. Final Checks & Handover
Once built, the team should walk you through the features, electrics, and any maintenance guidance. You’re now the proud owner of a garden retreat.
Conclusion: Making the Right Purchase for Your Garden Room Dream
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a garden room.
DIY kits suit the budget-conscious and hands-on types. Modular solutions offer a sweet spot of convenience and quality. Bespoke builds—like those from Total Gym Store—are perfect for those with a vision and a desire to get it just right.
The key is knowing what you want, what you need, and what you’re willing to invest in the long run.
And if your dream garden room happens to double as a home gym? We’d love to help.
Ready to Build Your Bespoke Garden Gym?
Whether you're envisioning a strength-training zone, a mobility retreat, or an all-in-one wellness haven—we’ve got the team, the tools, and the expertise to bring it to life.
Call us on 0330 0430 089 or email support@totalgymstore.co.uk to start designing your dream garden gym today.
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