How Much Does it Cost to Make a Garden Office?

With the rise of WFH and the desire for flexible workspaces, demand for garden offices has rocketed. These functional structures offer the perfect blend of productivity and nature’s serenity.

If you’ve been daydreaming about creating your own, you’re not alone! But before you get started, you need to understand the potential costs involved.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through a detailed breakdown of the expenses. Read on to make informed decisions and create the ideal workspace tailored to your needs!

Planning Stage

Careful planning is paramount. It can save time and money while ensuring the result aligns perfectly with your needs.

First, consider the purpose of your garden office. Will it serve as a peaceful retreat for focused work? An inspiring creative space? Or a multifunctional room that accommodates both work and leisure? Understanding its primary function will dictate the design and layout.

Next, determine the ideal size of the office based on your garden space and intended use. Strike a balance between spaciousness and practicality. Ensure there’s enough room for furniture, equipment, and free movement.

Materials are a critical aspect influencing both aesthetics and cost. Whether opting for wood, metal, or prefabricated structures, each choice has its implications. Consider the climate in your area, maintenance requirements, and durability of the materials.

Lastly, take note of any specific requirements. This can include local building regulations, permits, or environmental concerns. These factors can significantly impact the project’s timeline and expenses.

Thoughtful planning sets the foundation for a successful garden office project. Tailoring it precisely to suit your needs, you can bring your vision to life.

Essential Components

A well-designed garden office requires several basic elements, including the following:

1. A sturdy foundation is essential to support the weight of the office. Common foundation options include concrete slabs or timber bearers and joists.
2. Walls provide privacy, insulation, and support for the roof. They can be constructed using materials, e.g., timber or steel framing, with insulation. The choice of roofing materials, like shingles, also influences both cost and durability.
3. Doors and windows play a vital role in ventilation, natural light, and aesthetics. Wooden or uPVC doors and double-glazed windows are popular choices. Though they come in various price ranges depending on quality and energy efficiency.

The costs may vary significantly based on material choices. But investing in high-quality materials can result in a long-lasting garden office.

Cost Breakdown

In the UK market, the costs of building a garden room can be broken down into several major categories:

Construction materials

• Foundation: £500 – £1,500 depending on the type (concrete slab or timber bearers).
• Walls: £1,000 – £3,000, with timber being more cost-effective than brick or steel framing with insulation.
• Roofing: £1,500 – £4,000, varying based on materials like shingles, tiles, or metal sheets.

Permits

• Planning permission: £0 – £200, depending on certain sizes or locations. This applies both to local regulations and exemptions.
• Building regulations: £500 – £1,000 for inspections and approvals.

Labour

• Construction labour: £2,000 – £5,000, influenced by the complexity and size of the project.
• Electrical installations: £500 – £1,500, depending on the number of outlets. Plus, the lighting fixtures and connection to the main supply.

Insulation

• Wall and roof insulation: £500 – £1,500, depending on the type and thickness of insulation material used.

Interior furnishings

• Flooring: £500 – £1,500, depending on the quality and type of flooring (laminate, hardwood, or carpet).
• Furniture and decor: £500 – £2,000, depending on personal preferences and requirements.

Factors influencing cost variations include the following:

• material quality and size
• complexity of design
• local labour rates
• additional features like heating, cooling, or eco-friendly options.

DIY projects may reduce labour costs. But opting for professional installation ensures quality and compliance with regulations. We recommend getting accurate quotes from contractors – just like what TimberX offers!

Additional Features and Customisations

To enhance the functionality of a garden office, incorporate heating and cooling systems. To achieve long-term savings, opt for eco-friendly options like:

• solar panels
• rainwater harvesting systems
• energy-efficient lighting

Reliable internet connectivity is also vital for seamless remote work. These additional features can transform your workspace into a sustainable and comfortable one. Keep in mind, though, that they may add more cost, so consider adding them to your budget limit.

Garden Offices Cost by Size

If you’re considering investing in one, our range of garden offices UK are worth checking out. Below is a breakdown of the cost of our popular and newest models by size:

BillyOh Mia Log Cabin

Inspired by a new way of working from way, we present the Mia log cabin. It provides a contemporary and dedicated space where you can work in comfort and style.

The standard size of this model is 10x8ft, priced at £1,340.00.

Sunjoy Esquire Garden Studio

Here, you’re looking at an elegant garden studio created for unrivalled comfort. Its fully insulated interior guarantees cosiness and relaxation. The modular design makes the Esquire the ideal home office or personal studio.

This model is spacious and customisable with a standard size of 11x8ft, priced at £10999.00.

Natura Elysium Log Cabin Summerhouse

Bright and spacious, the Elysium is a studio building designed for year-round use. It comes equipped with 34mm log walls and sealed double-glazed windows. Perfect as a standalone workspace for your garden throughout the year.

Available in a standard size of 14x10ft, priced at £3561.00.

Natura Pinnacle Garden Room

There’s nothing quite like the Pinnacle. Designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the front of the cabin. Sliding doors add another modern touch to the building. What’s more, the 44mm log walls and a pent roof create a reliable structural shell. The ideal home office for a modern garden that’s worth investing in!

Available in a standard size of 14x11ft, priced at £7017.00.

BillyOh Studi Insulated Garden Room

The BillyOh Studi offers nothing but that ‘wow’ factor. This garden building is fully insulated and virtually maintenance-free. uPVC doors and windows, structural insulated panels and high-performance EPS insulation. It’s designed and manufactured to the highest standards!

The standard size, 14x8ft, is priced at £12,146.00.

BillyOh Canvas Insulated Building

Create your dream garden room with the BillyOh Canvas! Crafted with a 15mm Tongue and Grooved panels, our thickest panel construction yet. Insulated with high-performance multi-foil insulation and 14mm double-glazed windows. The Canvas is designed for all-year-round use overall!

It comes in various sizes:

• 10x8ft – £3,363.00

• 12x8ft – £3,918.00

• 12x8ft (with extra window) – £4,076.00

• 14x8ft – £4,542.00

• 14x8ft (with extra window) – £4,698.00

BillyOh Outpost Insulated Building

The perfect year-round garden office, relaxation space, or garden studio is here! EcoQuilt insulation in the roof, floor and walls, and double glazing included. This garden cabin stays warm in winter and cool in the summer.

The Outpost comes in various sizes:

• 8x8ft – £3,449.00

• 12x8ft – £4,600.00

• 14×8 ft – £5,088.00

BillyOh Kent Garden Office

The BillyOh Kent is a log cabin that offers expansive internal space with durable built. The multi-room offers two distinct spaces separated by an internal wall. Additionally, it’s designed with double doors, opening windows and an overhanging entrance.

This garden office comes in various sizes:

• 13x10ft – £2,662.00

• 13x13ft – £3,098.00

• 16x13ft – £3,500.00

• 18x16ft – £5,505.00

Additional Features and Customisations

To enhance the functionality of a garden office, incorporate heating and cooling systems. To achieve long-term savings, opt for eco-friendly options like:

• solar panels
• rainwater harvesting systems
• energy-efficient lighting

Reliable internet connectivity is also vital for seamless remote work. These additional features can transform your workspace into a sustainable and comfortable one. Keep in mind, though, that they may add more cost, so consider adding them to your budget limit.

Round-up

Garden offices offer productive and serene workspaces right in backyards. However, careful planning is essential to ensure building one stays within your budget.

The DIY approach may yield cost savings. But make sure to assess your skills and expertise before undertaking the construction. Overall, with thoughtful consideration, your dream garden office can become a reality!

If you lack the time to handle the entire building process, we have an ideal solution for you! Explore our range of insulated garden rooms, perfect for your backyard workspace. Check out the space-saving BillyOh Mia Log Cabin and more options in our garden office collection!