- Foundations: The type of foundation needed can affect the price, with options ranging from concrete bases to ground screws.
- Materials: The choice between aluminium or uPVC doors and windows, along with the type of cladding, significantly impacts cost.
- Inclusions: It's important to check what's included as standard. Are foundations and electrical connections part of the package?
- Garden Room Foundation Types: Concrete bases vs Ground Screws vs Concrete Piles vs Plastic grid System: The pros and cons of each
Type | Pros | Cons | Cost |
Concrete Raft |
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£££ |
Ground Screws |
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£££ |
Concrete Pile Foundations |
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££ |
Plastic Grid System (ProBase) |
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£ |
EasyPad (concrete pads) |
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££ |
- Garden Room Electrical Connection: Is the connection to your home's electricity included? Different companies have varied policies; some require you to arrange for electricity to be extended to the garden room's location, while others provide a specific amount of cabling. A professional electrician will need to link your garden room to your home's main electrical panel, typically requiring a 32-amp connection. Ensure there's available capacity on your consumer for this addition, otherwise, you’ll pay around £600 for a new consumer unit.
- Garden Room Internal Wall Finish: Some garden room companies opt for a durable, easy-to-clean melamine lining for the interior walls. This type of PVC cladding, commonly used in healthcare settings, is both cost-effective and quick to install. Alternatively, a plaster finish offers a look in-keeping with your house but comes at a higher cost and necessitates a longer installation period due to drying times. Additionally, consider whether the service includes a base coat of paint on the plaster, which can be challenging to apply due to its absorbent nature. Some companies may offer a finished paint as an upgrade, while others may leave the walls primed for your final decoration.
- Garden Room Roof type: Flat roofs on garden rooms typically feature EPDM, a durable, low-maintenance rubber material made from recycled tyres. Another option is insulated metal roof panels, which are both economical and functional. However, this choice often means that electrical wiring and lighting fixtures must be mounted on the surface, concealed by white trunking, to accommodate the roof's structure.
Type | Pros | Cons |
EPDM Rubber Roof |
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Metal Roof |
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- Garden Room Electrics: The specifics of internal electrical setups vary from one company to another. Typically, packages include white switches, a designated number of sockets, an electric heater, and spotlights. There's often an opportunity to opt for upgrades, such as chrome or black finishes for sockets and switches. A crucial aspect to consider is the type of electrical installation provided: recessed (where sockets are embedded into the wall, with wires hidden behind plasterboard, mirroring standard household electrics) versus surface-mounted. Surface-mounted electrics involve a network of channels and boxes for attaching lights and outlets externally, without the need to alter the wall structure. This method is cheaper and offers flexibility in electrical layout but involves visible wiring encased in trunking.
- Garden Room Flooring - most garden room companies will include flooring, but worth checking what they use. Laminate flooring is cost-effective and is now so good that it is often mistaken for wood, whilst being easy to clean and warm underfoot.
- Garden Room Insulation - Garden Room Insulation Types: The Pros & Cons
Type | Pros | Cons |
Foam or EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Thermal conductivity of around 0.037 W/mK |
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SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) 70mm Thermal conductivity of around 0.03 W/mK |
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PIR (polyisocyanurate) - Celotex, Kingspan etc Thermal conductivity of around 0.022 W/mK |
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Mineral Wool or Rock Wool Thermal conductivity of around 0.037 W/mK |
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- Wall and floor construction methods: Timber Frame vs Steel Frame vs SIPs
Type | Pros | Cons |
Timber Frame |
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Steel Frame |
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SIPs Panel |
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- Garden Room Cladding: Cedar vs Composite vs Larch vs Charred Larch vs Thermowood
Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Cedar |
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Composite i.e HardiPlank or Cedral |
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Larch |
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Thermowood - Thermally modified wood is wood that is cured by heating it, which in turn minimises (if not completely eliminates) any deformities or problems that may occur throughout the natural dehumidification process. This results in end-products that are extremely durable no matter the environment in which they are used. |
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Charred Larch |
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- Garden Room Optional Extras:
- Roof Extension: A stylish canopy at the front, often equipped with spotlights for enhanced aesthetics. While not essential, it adds a touch of elegance and can be complemented with wall extensions for added privacy and a refined look.
- Canopy: Ideal for those desiring an outdoor kitchen, BBQ, hot tub, or seating area. A canopy can be installed on the sides or front, offering both illumination and protection from the elements, perfectly blending functionality with style.
- Decking: Elevates the entrance to your garden room, facilitating easier access. For those planning garden landscaping, decking might be optional. Options include traditional timber decking, which is cost-effective but requires regular maintenance and may become slippery when wet, and composite decking, which is higher in price but boasts low maintenance and a variety of colour choices. For a premium finish, consider Millboard decking, known for its stunning appearance and concealed fixings.
- External Lighting: Enhance the ambience and functionality of your garden room's exterior with tailored lighting options.
- Internet Connection: Ensure your garden room is as connected as you need, with options for extending Wi-Fi coverage or hardwired internet connections for uninterrupted online access.
- Impressive Durability
- Easy to work with
- Practically no maintenance
- Environmentally Friendly
- Concrete pile foundations
- Electrical connection to your fuse board and certificate (20 linear metres as standard)
- Cladding - composite, Larch, Cedar, painted Larch (Olive Green or Grey), Charred or Thermowood.
- UPVC or aluminium double-glazed windows and doors
- Optional composite decking step
- Plasterboard, skim, and a decorator's prime coat of paint
- Choice of Howdens V Groove laminate floor colours
- Skirting boards
- 50mm foam Insulation in the floor, walls and ceiling, it’s lightweight
- Internally recessed electrics (light switches, sockets, spotlights, 2kw electric slimline
- Installation & delivery
- Internal partition walls and doors divide the room
- Hidden door - this is where the single door, usually to a storage room is clad with the same cladding as the garden room to hide or conceal the door for a clean look.
- Aluminium doors rather than UPVC, are essential if you choose bifold doors. UPVC bifolds in a timber frame always need adjusting which is why we don’t offer them.
- Roof Overhang/Extension - Add a canopy at the front with spotlights for a unique look and bit of shelter from the elements. It's possible to add on one, two or three sides, with or without spotlights
- Wall Extension - perfect if you want to close off one or both ends of the roof overhang for privacy and/or to create a unique design
- Canopy - perfect cover for your outdoor furniture, hot tub or outdoor BBQ
- Decking - choose from a range of colours and sizes
- Windows - UPVC or aluminium in 4 standard sizes, opening or fixed
- Internet - we understand that some people's internet reaches the garden room or they have boosters. However, if yours does not you can choose a CAT6 data cable that is connected to your router to give your garden room its own wifi zone and the same speed as in your house, perfect for those using it as a home office, kids playroom or gym. We also offer outdoor heaters, sockets, as well as a range of different coloured switches and sockets.
- Sizes - whilst our panels come in standard sizes to keep the cost down, we do offer a bespoke option and can make panels to any size if you need a particular sized garden room.