Garden Rooms, Studios and Offices etc

Here is a brief outline of the process that I would go through to construct a garden room or studio. Bear in mind a timber garden structure can mean many things; office, spare room, summer house, workshop, shed, sauna, studio etc. the possibilities are wide.

  • A finished holiday cabin.

    A finished holiday cabin.

  • Adjustable metal anchors sit on concrete pads and support Douglas Fir floor beams, with joists going on.

    Adjustable metal anchors sit on concrete pads and support Douglas Fir floor beams, with joists going on.

  • Frame up and ridge beam on.

    Frame up and ridge beam on.

  • Rafters on.

    Rafters on.

  • Sarking on, followed by membrane and batten.

    Sarking on, followed by membrane and batten.

  • All ready for Larch cladding, roof and windows. Insulation is Warmcel, recycled paper.

    All ready for Larch cladding, roof and windows. Insulation is Warmcel, recycled paper.

  • Roof, windows and cladding done

    Roof, windows and cladding done

Pricing

Here is an approximate guide to prices for timber buildings;

Sheds                                       £450 to £600 per  m2  
Garages and workshops         £600 to £750 per  m2 
Garden rooms and studios     £750 to £2500  per  m2 

Typically I would use Douglas Fir for the frame, Larch cladding and wool insulation. I mostly do concrete piers or block foundations, this keeps use of concrete to a minimum, and makes for a versatile and affordable base.  Internal finish can be anything from plywood lining to skimmed plasterboard.

Here’s an idea of the costs for some items;

Foundations on a level and clear site could cost £750 to £1,500. Sloping sites add cost, but are easier to deal with than many think, suspended timber floors can be easily supported on posts.

Basic electrical installation; getting power to the building, sockets and lighting could cost from £1500 to £2,000.

Plumbing and drainage;  getting water to and drainage from the building, fitting a toilet, basin and kitchen sink could cost between £2,500 to £3,500

Different cladding profiles can be specified and all are available in Larch, Chestnut, Cedar and Oak. Other options as mentioned could include kitchens and bathrooms, or you may want to consider a Green Roof as this adds insulation, can reduce water run off and increases biodiversity.

Overall price can vary widely with timber specified, quality of windows and doors, and customer input, see My Approach to get an idea of how you could also save costs and to understand the range of ways I work.

Contact me then we can discuss your project, costs and the best way to make it happen.