Garden Room
How Can I Customise the Design of my Garden Room?
Creating your own DIY garden room is an exciting adventure that blends creativity and functionality to create a custom space that is uniquely yours, reflecting both your style and needs.
Customising the design of your garden room offers endless possibilities, from choosing the perfect layout and materials to adding features like lighting, furniture, and décor that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re aiming for a cosy retreat, a home office, or an entertainment hub, the right design can elevate your garden room into a truly special environment.
So, unlock your inner builder and transform your garden into an enchanting sanctuary that’s truly your own!
Our goal is to make the planning, designing, and building of your garden room as effortless as possible. With our exclusive online garden room configurator, you can explore a variety of sizes and internal finishes to customize your self-build garden room in under 10 steps and create the perfect space. The “Build Your Own” tool is both fun and practical, giving you the freedom to experiment with different options and spark inspiration for your Pent Haus project.
Use our easy-to-use “Build Your Own” tool to craft your personalised Pent Haus design effortlessly and obtain a quick quote. Start here >>
Plan your DIY Garden Room
Planning your garden room is the first and most crucial step in creating a space that meets your needs and complements your outdoor area. Start by defining the purpose of the room—whether it’s for work, relaxation, or entertainment—this will guide decisions on layout and features.
Considering the size and shape that fits best with your garden is easy on our configurator as you can choose between width and depth of various sizes, while also thinking about factors like privacy, sunlight, ground surface, and accessibility to
It’s important to also factor in your budget, as this will influence your choices for materials, finishes, and any additional features like electrical installations. We’ve made it easy to track your room’s cost as you customize it online, with the total automatically updating as you choose different features.
Taking time to carefully plan out these details will ensure that your garden room is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing you with a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Tips: When choosing the ideal location in your garden, consider marking out where you want your garden room to be using pegs and string or spray paint so that you can see what size you need & the impact on your garden space.
Don’t forget to think about access to utilities, if you would like electricity and water, think about positioning your Garden Room in a spot that will give you easy access. We recommend consulting an expert to help you choose the right spot before you start building.
Pent Haus has an innovative foundation system which can be built on any ground surface, even slopes! Plus, our designs mean you can build right up to your boundary!
Finally, it’s important to check local building regulations to see if you need any permits or if there are any restrictions on size and height. Usually, a Garden Room doesn’t need planning permission making it a budget friendly way to add value to your home, but it is key to check!
Choosing Glazing for Your Garden Room
Our easy-to-use online customisation tool lets you create a visual design and position your glazing preferences for windows and doors on the sides of your garden room with the click of a button.
Maximize natural light with larger picture window and double glass doors that open up the space to your garden, connecting the indoors to the outdoors and allowing you to enjoy nature while still being sheltered.
Choosing the right lighting for your garden room is crucial because it sets the mood, enhances the functionality of the space, and ensures it can be used comfortably at any time of the day or night. The right lighting can create a warm, inviting atmosphere for relaxation or provide focused, bright light for work or hobbies. Additionally, well-placed lighting can also highlight architectural features or design elements, making your garden room both beautiful and practical.
If you want to discuss your design ideas with the team, they are more than happy to help at any point.
Contact us >>
Premium Cladding Finishes
Selecting the right materials is crucial for creating a durable garden room that can withstand the elements. You will need to ensure that your garden room is completely waterproof and protected.
Our garden room kits already include high quality exterior cladding made of ToughWood™ and are engineered to create an ultra-tough dense and stable cladding. It looks like wood but has none of the disadvantages of natural wood! Made from sustainable resources, it’s the ecologically responsible choice compared to PVC or composite cladding.
Plus, our cladding is maintenance free, meaning you don’t need to worry about future Garden Room DIY. Our garden room kits also provide peace of mind with a 10-year guarantee included.
Customising the external colour of your garden room allows you to create a space that blends seamlessly with your garden or stands out as a unique feature. The right colour can complement your home’s exterior, match the natural surroundings, or reflect your personal style.
Our online tool allows you to further customise your garden room by selecting your choice of exterior colours from Cedar to Granite, helping you visualize how it will complement the elements of your property.
Design your dream room with our configurator here and make a Garden Room unique to you in 3 minutes!
Structure of your Garden Room
When choosing the structure for your garden room, you typically have two main options: Timber Frame and SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). Both have their advantages depending on your needs & budget.
Timber Frame Garden Rooms:
Our Timber Frame Kits offer a cost-effective and user-friendly option, making them a favourite among DIY enthusiasts. They come with the same ToughWood™ cladding and glazing as our standard SIP Kits, ensuring a high-quality garden room that looks great, is maintenance free, and is protected from the elements.
However, the build time is a bit longer, and if you’re not an experienced DIYer, you might need some assistance with the construction. You can also choose to add our high-level insulation pack, allowing you to use your garden room year-round and improving thermal efficiency.
SIPs Garden Rooms:
Our SIP Kits are made of a core of high-grade insulation sandwiched between layers of board. They also feature pre-cut wiring channels that are concealed within the walls and ceiling for high-speed electrics and a smooth interior finish with ease.
SIPs are known for their exceptional thermal efficiency, making them ideal for year-round use, even in colder climates. They are quick to assemble from as little as 3 days, and with our unique ToughWood cladding, they are practically maintenance free! While SIPs can be a bit more expensive upfront, their energy efficiency and durability often make them a worthwhile investment.
Why not discuss the differences with our team to help you decide? Contact Us Today >>
Garden Rooms Extras
Additional extras can significantly enhance a DIY garden room build by adding both functionality and comfort. Features like insulation, lighting, internal finishes, electrical fittings, and heating ensure that the space is usable year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
Our additional options enable you to modify your build to perfectly reflect your style, needs & preferences. From our electrical pack to internal panelling pack, we can help make sure that you garden room build is personalised and practical environment reflecting your requirements.
With Pent Haus, you can create your perfect garden room in just 3 minutes using our simple online configurator. Why not give it a try today and start exploring?
In Conclusion
A garden room is a flexible, stylish, and functional way to expand your living space. Whether you envision a peaceful yoga studio, a private home gym, a cosy guest room, or a dedicated craft area, a garden room can turn that dream into reality. Offering year-round use, easy installation, and minimal upkeep, it’s a home upgrade that opens countless possibilities. Transform your garden and enhance your home’s potential today!
Learn
more…
Explore our insporation guide
Prefer to chat?
How Much Does A DIY Garden Room Cost? Self Build on a Budget
A self-build garden room offers an excellent and cost-effective way to enhance your home and lifestyle on a budget. They can allow you to extend your living space, work from home, create your dream home gym, or provide the perfect garden art studio.
With insulated garden room options that you can enjoy year-round, self-build garden room kits offer a great solution at a cost you can afford.
DIY Garden Rooms can add extra space to your home, increase property value, and usually don’t require planning permission meaning you save time and cost on the build.
At Pent Haus, we offer self-build garden rooms that are not only affordable but also quick to install, customizable, and built to last.
For example, a 3m x 3m flat pack garden room kit with insulation and electrics can start at just £9,786 for a self-build option, compared to a bespoke, fully installed room which can exceed £30,000.
1. Self-Build Garden Rooms vs. Installed Garden Rooms
Opting for a build-your-own garden room kit can save significantly on installation costs. At Pent Haus, our flat pack insulated garden rooms are designed for DIY assembly, requiring just 1–2 people and no specialist skills or tools.
Most can be constructed in only three days! Prefer a hassle-free option?
We also offer professional installation services to save you time too
Use our garden room configurator to see how much your custom DIY garden room kit could cost and get an instant quote!
2. Bespoke vs. Standard Garden Rooms
A bespoke flat pack garden room might be ideal if you need a unique size or design, or have a specialised function in mind (like a science lab!), but it typically comes with higher costs. Instead, explore pre-designed modular options that let you customise walls, windows, flooring, and roofing. There is still a wide range of designs to choose from to suit most needs.
At Pent Haus, we offer a balance: pre-designed kits with flexible configurations. Whether you’re creating a compact garden office kit for a small space or a larger multi-function garden room, our solutions are budget-friendly and versatile.
You can even build our kits on steep slopes, and with our kits, you can build up to your boundary to get the maximum use out of your garden space.
3. Does the size affect the cost?
The size of your garden room is a major cost factor.
While 3m² rooms are common starting points, larger spaces often provide better long-term value. In the long-run only building your garden room once and allowing extra space for flexibility may save you time and money.
Adding more floor space to your garden room may cost less than you expect while significantly enhancing functionality. Plus, a garden room can add value to your home’s property value so building it with extra space in mind may help with this too.
We recommend experimenting with different sizes to find the perfect fit for your budget and needs.
4. Construction Materials
Don’t compromise on quality or you may end up with costly maintenance or even replacing your garden room altogether!
Choosing the right materials ensures durability, low maintenance, and peace of mind.
Options include:
- Composite garden room kits: Low-maintenance, modern, and eco-friendly.
- Timber-frame kits: A classic choice offering sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
- Insulated SIP panels: Ideal for year-round use with excellent thermal efficiency.
Pent Haus prioritises quality and sustainability, offering premium materials backed by a 10-year guarantee.
We clad the exterior of our studios with ToughWood™ cladding. It looks like wood, but has none of the disadvantages of natural wood! Made from sustainable resources, it is incredibly long lasting and low maintenance.
5. Utilities and Heating
This is often forgotten, but it is really important to consider the long term costs of your Garden Room. How good is the insulation? How much heat will it hold in winter? Is it truly an all-year-round Garden Room?
We recommend ensuring your garden room has excellent insulation to keep your bills low! Saving money on your build may cost you in the long run.
Our Garden Room Kits will include structurally insulated panels (SIPs) which offer highly efficient thermal values and exceptional strength. The wall thickness is 100mm & the floor is 130mm, making our studios warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with good sound-proofing.
6. Ease To Build + What is Included
How easy is the Garden Room going to be to build? Some garden rooms can be complex, and mistakes in the building process can be costly to correct by a professional, or may cause you to have to re-build or buy extra materials.
Look for a Garden Room that is easy to build and includes everything you need to help you stay on budget. For example, we CNC-cut your chosen interior finish saving you the effort of trying to cut awkward angles in panels.
Our Garden Room Kits are easy and quick to build! You should be able to assembly your dream garden room in just 1-2 days with 2 people.
7. Simplicity to Build
A self-build garden room is a budget friendly way to add space to your home, and can be much quicker than a traditional home extension, plus often you don’t need planning permission! If you are planning to build your garden room yourself you will need to consider how simple your kit will be to build.
You need to find out how long it should take you to build when you are doing your research, as well as finding out how long delivery will take.
You also need to find out what skill level is required to build your garden room, as well as how many people will take. For example – will you need to make any cuts to the panels yourself, and what equipment will you need? This can easily increase your build budget if you need to purchase extra equipment to finish your build.
Pent Haus Garden Rooms are designed to be easy to build, with no specialist skills required! Our Garden Rooms can be built within 3 days with 2 people.
Plus, we CNC-cut your chosen interior finish saving you the effort of trying to cut awkward angles!
5 Things to Consider in Your Garden Room Budget
- Foundations
A durable foundation is crucial for your garden room’s longevity. Ensure your supplier includes this in the package or factor it into your costs. Poor foundations can lead to structural issues later. - Clearing the Area
Budget for clearing the site. If there are existing buildings, trees, or shrubs, you might need to hire specialists or pay for waste removal. This step is often overlooked but can add time and cost.
- Utilities and Insulation
To use your garden room year-round, budget for electrical connections, heating, and, if needed, plumbing.
- How will you be assembling your Garden Room? Our Garden Rooms can be assembled by 2 people in 3 days – no skills required! However, if you want extra help assembling your room, don’t forget to budget for it! At Pent Haus, we provide in-house utility installations, ensuring timely and professional service.
- Interior and Exterior Finishes
Quality finishes enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your garden room. DIY decoration like painting can save money, but choose pre-insulated panels to reduce heating costs. Pent Haus offers insulation included in its flat pack garden room kits for maximum efficiency.
- Planning Permissions
Check if planning permissions are required. Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid unexpected expenses.
Pent Haus Garden Rooms are designed to be easy to build, with no specialist skills required! Our Garden Rooms can be built within 3 days with 2 people.
Plus, we CNC-cut your chosen interior finish saving you the effort of trying to cut awkward angles!
In Conclusion
Building your dream garden room could be less expensive and easier than you think. Just ensure to consider all these points when you build your budget. They can be a great budget friendly way to upgrade your lifestyle without moving house!
Ready to transform your garden space into something truly special? With our easy-to-build garden room kits, you can design your dream garden room today and get a free instant quote to see just how affordable it can be.
Learn
more…
Explore our insporation guide
Prefer to chat?
How to Design Your Garden Room: 7 Key Features to Consider
Designing a garden room is an exciting opportunity to get the full potential of the space in your home and create a brand new room! Whether you’re looking to create your dream Home Gym, Garden Office, a Garden entertainment area, or Garden Guest room, getting the design of your structure right is essential. You need to consider what you need in your Garden Room Kit.
During the design process it is important to ensure you have thought about how you will use your garden room, and what elements you need. You are spoiled for choice with our customisable designs!
Here are the key structural elements to consider when designing your ideal garden room.
At Pent Haus, we offer self-build garden rooms that are not only affordable but also quick to install, customizable, and built to last.
1. Choosing the Right Foundation
A solid foundation is the backbone of any garden room, providing stability and longevity. You need to consider whether you already have a solid base to build your garden room on (such as concrete) or if you need to create a foundation.
Don’t worry! Our easy to build Foundation Kit features our heavy duty composite posts which can be concreted into the ground, with a stainless steel frame bolted on which lifts the studio off the ground, leaving a breathable space, removing the risk of rising damp and condensation.
You can even build on steep slopes!
2. Wall, Roof, and Floors
When designing your garden room, it’s crucial to consider the features of your walls and floor. If you are planning on using your room all year round you need to ensure that it is a fully insulated garden room.
At Pent Haus, we use structurally insulated panels (SIPs) which offer highly efficient thermal values and exceptional strength.
The wall thickness is 100mm & the floor is 130mm, making our studios warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with good sound-proofing. This energy efficiency not only improves comfort but also helps reduce the overall energy consumption of the space.
Apart from being fully insulated, these panels also offer good soundproofing, making your garden room a perfect space for activities like working, exercising, or relaxing without disturbing the rest of the house.
This means your garden room will stay comfortable all-year-round, whether you’re using it as a home office or an entertainment space.
Want to start designing your dream garden room? Try our online building tool now, and get a FREE instant quote! >>
3. Windows and Doors
For a productive Garden Office, or Garden Gym it is essential to have plenty of natural light! Consider the position of your Garden Room versus the light coming into your garden and consider where your windows and doors would be best placed. French doors or Bifold doors will help bring in plenty of natural light.
Don’t forget that you need to ensure that your windows and doors still need to provide a good level of insulation too!
At Pent Haus, we offer a huge range of options including sliding or bi-fold doors, windows and full length picture windows so you can design your perfect room.
It’s also important to consider security, especially if you will be leaving valuable equipment in your garden room. Ensure high security locks are fitted to doors and windows, giving you peace of mind that your valuables will be kept safe & secure. Don’t worry all our windows and doors and Pent Haus provide secure locks, and sturdy aluminium frames.
For more garden room inspiration to help you see what is possible, check out our gallery of real life garden rooms from our customers!
4. Utilities
For the perfect Garden Gym, Garden Studio for Crafts, Home Office or High Tech Teen room, you will need electricity!
Our cleverly designed SIP panels have a unique concealed wiring system ensuring you are left with a smooth joint free finish. If ordering your own wiring it is very important to order wiring which is compatible with the panels you choose.
Electrics should be installed by a competent person and any connection to the mains by a fully qualified electrician. Your electrician will be able to issue you with a Part P certificate to confirm that the install is safe to use. You will also need to consider when your electricity needs to be installed based on the design of your internal panels.
Our SIP panels have unique preformed channels and pre-cut sockets in each panel enable you to run the cables discreetly, and install electrics at any time during your build!
5. Maintenance and Upkeep of your Garden Room
One of the most important structural features of a garden room is the exterior cladding. At Pent Haus, we offer ToughWood™ cladding, an engineered wood that combines the aesthetic appeal of natural wood with none of the disadvantages, such as warping, rotting, or extensive maintenance. Unlike traditional materials, our ToughWood™ cladding is designed to withstand the elements while remaining low-maintenance, so you can focus on enjoying your space rather than maintaining it.
Additionally, our cladding is made from sustainable resources, making it an ecologically responsible choice compared to PVC or composite cladding. It’s the ideal solution for homeowners who want their garden room to not only look good but also minimise their environmental impact.
6. Customisation and Layout Flexibility
One of the major advantages of designing your own Pent Haus garden room is the ability to fully customise the layout and design. Whether you want large windows to let in natural light, bi-fold doors for easy access to the garden, or specific colour schemes to match your style, Pent Haus allows you to choose from a wide range of options.
We offer a selection of door and window styles, sizes, and colours, so you can personalize every aspect of your garden room. In addition, concealed wiring channels within the walls and ceiling ensure that high-speed electrics and lighting are seamlessly integrated, leaving a smooth, clean interior finish.
7. Simplicity to Build
A self-build garden room is a budget friendly way to add space to your home, and can be much quicker than a traditional home extension, plus often you don’t need planning permission! If you are planning to build your garden room yourself you will need to consider how simple your kit will be to build.
You need to find out how long it should take you to build when you are doing your research, as well as finding out how long delivery will take.
You also need to find out what skill level is required to build your garden room, as well as how many people will take. For example – will you need to make any cuts to the panels yourself, and what equipment will you need? This can easily increase your build budget if you need to purchase extra equipment to finish your build.
Pent Haus Garden Rooms are designed to be easy to build, with no specialist skills required! Our Garden Rooms can be built within 3 days with 2 people.
Plus, we CNC-cut your chosen interior finish saving you the effort of trying to cut awkward angles!
Why Pent Haus Garden Rooms Are the Best Choice
At Pent Haus, we take pride in offering garden rooms that combine style, affordability, simplicity, and sustainability. Our self-build garden rooms are budget-friendly and simple to install, so you can enjoy your dream space sooner. With ToughWood™ cladding and sustainable materials, you get a low-maintenance, environmentally responsible option that will stand the test of time.
You could have your dream office space, art studio, or home gym within 5 weeks!
With flexible customisation options and no need for planning permission in many cases, Pent Haus garden rooms offer a hassle-free solution to creating additional living space. Plus, our rooms are designed for year-round use, thanks to their efficient thermal properties and soundproofing.
Ready to start designing? It just takes 3 minutes to design your dream garden room!
Click here to build your dream garden room >>
Learn
more…
Explore our insporation guide
Prefer to chat?
Garden Room Design Inspiration: How To Design Your Dream Garden Room
Transform Your Space: The Endless Possibilities of a Garden Room.
Your dream garden room is a versatile, year-round retreat that unlocks endless possibilities to upgrade your home. Whether you’re looking to create a serene yoga studio, a functional home gym, a cosy guest room, or a creative craft space, a garden room offers the perfect solution. With full insulation, minimal maintenance, and often no need for planning permission, it’s a smart and stylish way to maximise the potential of your property.
Plus, our self-build garden rooms mean you may be able to add that life upgrade to your home without breaking the bank. No specialist skills required, with our simple easy to install kits!
We wanted to give some inspiration on how some our our customers have designed their dream Garden Room: Design Your Dream Garden Room in Just 3 Minutes Here >>
Garden Office: Boost Your Productivity in a Dedicated Workspace
In today’s world, where working from home has become the norm for many, having a dedicated workspace at home is more important than ever. A garden room can serve as the perfect garden office, offering a quiet, distraction-free environment just steps away from your home.
Imagine walking through your garden each morning to reach your office, leaving the household noise behind, and stepping into a space designed for focus and productivity.
With our self-build garden rooms, you could have your dream garden office in less than 4 weeks!
Top Tips:
- We have found with our clients that even having a small space can be incredibly impactful to their quality of life! You can be very efficient with a well designed small space, as in the picture above. Our client loved this design and it gave her everything she needed. Consider measuring out how much space you need to work – it may be less than you think!
- With large windows and French doors to let in natural light and full insulation to keep you comfortable throughout the seasons, your garden office becomes an oasis of efficiency.
- Consider adding built-in desks, ample shelving, and high-speed internet connections to ensure that it meets all your professional needs.
- Create a productive atmosphere with light bright décor, plants and don’t forget artwork as a backdrop for your video calls!
- We love having a desk overlooking the garden, consider playing with this design.
- Consider how you will use the space in the day,
- Consider what utilities you will need high internet speed, electricity and plumbing is all possible for your dream garden room.
Top Benefits:
- A dedicated, quiet workspace separate from the main house.
- Increased productivity with fewer distractions.
- Fully insulated garden rooms mean year-round comfort, ensuring you stay focused regardless of the weather.
Yoga Studio: Find Your Zen in the Comfort of Your Garden
Imagine starting your day with a sun salutation surrounded by the tranquillity of your garden. The sense of privacy creates a perfect environment for practising mindfulness and meditation. A garden room is an ideal space for a dedicated yoga studio.
And because it’s fully insulated, you can enjoy your practice year-round, whether it’s a cool winter morning or a warm summer evening.
Top Tips:
- Choose large windows to allow natural light to pour in, and hear the nature in your garden.
- A dream garden room designed for yoga looks great with soft calming wall colours and soft furnishings.
- Extend the garden into the room by adding plants to continue the theme of nature.
- Think about storage. Keep your garden yoga studio feeling open and spacious by adding built-in shelving for your yoga mats, blocks, and other accessories.
Top Benefits:
- Year-round usability with full insulation.
- A peaceful, dedicated space for yoga and meditation surrounded by nature which takes you away from the distractions of your home.
- Customizable design to fit your practice needs and keep the room feel open and light.
Home Gym: Your Personal Fitness Sanctuary
Forget crowded gyms and long commutes. With a dream garden room, you can create a personal fitness sanctuary just steps away from your home. Make more time in your routine, without having to commute to a gym.
Equip it with everything from free weights to cardio machines, and tailor the space to suit your workout routine.
The beauty of a garden room gym is that it’s always available when you are. You can work out at any time of day, in the privacy of your own space, without any distractions. Plus, with full insulation, you can exercise comfortably no matter the season.
Top Tips:
- Consider adding a kitchenette means you can make your protein shakes, or drinks whilst you relax after your workout before going back to the rest of your day.
- Consider what types of machines and equipment you will want in your gym. How many machines need electricity, where will you need outlets? Don’t worry – our panelling allows electricity to be installed seamlessly during or after the build. Our cleverly designed SIP panels have a unique concealed wiring system ensuring you are left with a smooth joint free finish.
- Consider what time of day you are likely to work out – what kind of lighting will you need? We offer some great customisable window options, as well as a simple electrical pack for adding lighting.
Top Benefits:
- A private, fully-equipped home gym just outside your door.
- Designed for you, making space for the equipment you find most important.
- Flexibility to work out on your schedule.
- Comfortable year-round exercise space.
Guest Room: A Cosy Retreat for Visitors
A garden room makes for a charming and comfortable guest room*, providing your visitors with a private retreat that’s separate from the main house. Furnish it with a cosy bed, stylish décor, and thoughtful touches like a coffee maker and reading nook to create a home-away-from-home experience for your guests.
Plus, since many garden rooms don’t require planning permission, you can have your guest room ready to welcome visitors much more quickly than a traditional home extension.
Top Tips:
- Consider making this a multifunction room so that you can enjoy this room even when you don’t have guests – consider a murphy bed or sofa bed so you can have a cinema room, or teenage chill out area when you don’t have guests.
- Soft home furnishings, and our interior cladding finish makes a relaxing and inviting space in your dream garden room.
- Add a decking space outside so you can enjoy outside dining, lounge in the sun, and make the most of every inch of your garden.
Top Benefits:
- A private, comfortable space for guests, with everything they need.
- Year-round comfort with full insulation. Because a garden room is fully insulated, it remains a comfortable space throughout the year, ensuring your guests enjoy their stay regardless of the weather.
- Quick and easy to set up, often without the need for planning permission.
Craft Room: Unleash Your Creativity
If you’re an artist, crafter, or DIY enthusiast, a garden room can be the perfect creative haven. Imagine a space where you can leave your projects out, keep all your supplies organised, and let your creativity flow without interruptions.
Natural light is essential for any craft room, and a garden room offers ample daylight to illuminate your work. Whether you’re painting, sewing, or working on your latest DIY project, you’ll appreciate the focus and inspiration that comes with having a dedicated creative space.
Top Tips:
- Consider how you will use the space, do you need a large surface to work on, or lots of floor space? We love using kitchen worktops, or a built in desk to give you maximum space.
- Storage will be key, consider what you need to store and work from there sourcing cupboards or shelves that are fit for purpose – this is your dream garden room space – make it work for you!
- Make sure the room will make you feel comfortable and most inspired. Think about soft comfortable furnishings, and fun design touches. We love using neutral colours on the wall, and then accessorising the space with art that you love! (Or even your own art!)
Top Benefits:
- A dedicated, inspiring space for creativity and crafts.
- Natural light and insulation for year-round use.
- A clutter-free zone that’s all yours.
- Be surrounded by nature to inspire you.
Why Choose a Self-Build Garden Room?
A garden room is more than just an extra room; it’s a smart investment that enhances your lifestyle and the value of your property. Plus, a self-build garden room is a budget friendly way to quickly install a dream garden room yourself – no specialist skills required – and it could be done 4 weeks from now!
Here’s why:
- Year-Round Usability: Fully insulated and designed for comfort, garden rooms are usable in all seasons, making them a practical addition to your home.
- No Planning Permission Needed: In most cases, garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, meaning you can install one without the hassle of planning permission.
- Less Complex Than a Home Extension: Unlike traditional extensions, garden rooms are less invasive, quicker to build, and more cost-effective.
- Maximize Your Space: A garden room allows you to make the most of your outdoor space, giving you an additional living area without sacrificing your garden.
- Low Maintenance: We clad the exterior of our studios with ToughWood™ cladding an ultra-tough dense and stable cladding. It looks like wood, but has none of the disadvantages of natural wood, meaning you don’t need to worry about maintenance. Made from sustainable resources, it’s the ecologically responsible choice compared to PVC or composite cladding.
Conclusion
A garden room is a versatile, stylish, and practical solution to expanding your living space. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene yoga studio, a personal home gym, a cosy guest room, or a creative craft space, a garden room can bring that vision to life. With year-round usability, ease of installation, and low maintenance, it’s a home improvement that offers endless possibilities. Transform your garden and unlock the full potential of your home today!
[* Please note that planning isn’t needed if a garden’s room primary use is not a dwelling space and generally it is considered acceptable if it is a home office, gym, studio with a sofa bed which could be used very occasionally for visitors.]
Learn
more…
Explore our insporation guide
Prefer to chat?
Does My Garden Room Need Planning Permission?
What You Need To Know.
When planning your Garden Room, planning permission, and planning regulations, are often one of the first things you think about. In this article we want to help answer the question; “Do I need planning permission for a garden room?”.
Planning a Self-Build Garden Room to maximise your garden space is an exciting project. So, we want to help ease your planning permission concerns. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about garden room planning permission regulations and considerations.
Understanding Planning Regulations for Garden Buildings
Great News! In most cases, garden buildings do not require planning permission if they adhere to specific building regulations.
You usually don’t need planning permission if:
- Your garden building is under 2.5 metres tall, located at the rear of the property, and not intended for overnight accommodation.
- Your Garden Room doesn’t cover more than 50% of the land around the original house, considering any previous extensions or outbuildings constructed after 1948.
- If the garden room’s floor area is less than 30 square metres and it contains no sleeping accommodation. For studios with a floor area between 15 and 30 square metres, building regulations approval is not usually required, provided the studio is at least one metre from any boundary and contains no sleeping accommodation.
Most Penthaus Studios do not require planning permission or building regulations approval because they are designed to comply with permitted development guidelines.
Why Are Garden Rooms Usually Exempt?
Garden rooms are classified as “outbuildings” and can be built without planning permission if they comply with permitted development guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the structure does not negatively impact the surrounding environment or your neighbours.
How Can I Check if I Need Planning Permission?
Whether you need planning permission depends on the specific permitted development rights for your property and the area you live in. To be certain, the best place to start is checking your local authorities’ website, which will then direct you on the best way to check. You can also get in touch with our lovely customer service team who can help provide information you need for your application.
The Benefits Of A Garden Room vs. A House Extension
Now that you know that usually Garden Rooms don’t require planning permission – let’s talk about what that means for you!
- Extra Space in your Home you can use All-Year-Round – This means you can have a fully insulated garden room that you can use all-year-round! Pent Haus self-build garden rooms have highly efficient thermal values, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer!
- Get that work life balance – Adding that extra space to your home can upgrade your lifestyle by giving you a home office you can close the door on at the end of the day, or a home gym to give you more time with your family.
- Low Complexity – Pent Haus Self-Build Garden Rooms can be installed quickly without the hassle and expense of obtaining planning permission.
- Quick to Build – Our Self-Build Garden Rooms can be built without specialist skills by 2 people in 2-3 days. Meaning you could have realised your Garden Room dreams in less than 4 weeks!
- Low Maintenance – with Pent Haus’ ToughWood™ cladding, you won’t need to maintain the exterior of your Garden Room, keeping your costs down.
- All of this means that it is often much cheaper, much quicker, and less complex than a traditional home extension.
Want to learn more?
Garden Room Development Guidelines
What To Consider:
Understanding development guidelines can be complex! Below we have expanded on the main guidelines to consider.
Height and Area Restrictions
- Your garden room must be a single-story structure with a maximum roof height of 2.5 metres from ground level.
- Permitted development guidelines restrict you from building on more than 50% of the land around the original house, which includes any previous extensions or outbuildings built after 1948.
Location Considerations
- Planning permission is required if the garden room is located in front of the principal elevation of the house or to the side.
- It should not be built closer to a public road or footpath than the main house.
- Garden rooms can be used for daily activities but are not permitted if you will be predominantly using the building for overnight accommodation, or self-contained living accommodation.
Exterior Finishes and Designated Land
- Permitted development guidelines prohibit verandas, or balconies. Any decking or platform should not exceed 0.3 metres in height to maintain privacy and avoid obstructing views.
- Permitted development may not apply in areas classified as designated land, such as national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites. In these areas, garden rooms more than 20 metres from the house must not exceed 10 square metres.
Do Planning Regulations Apply to Your Home?
- Permitted development rights do not apply to flats, maisonettes, or other buildings. Only houses are eligible.
- Additionally, if your home is a listed building or in a designated area, your development rights may be restricted. Designated areas including national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites. There are some exceptions to this, so in these cases we recommend checking with your local planning authority.
Let’s Summarise What We Know
Hopefully this article has helped you feel more confident about taking on your Garden Room project.
Garden Rooms often don’t require you to apply for planning permission, and could be a less expensive, quicker, less complex and more low maintenance option for you to get more space in your home. This means that you can realise the full potential of your garden space to make office space to work from home, create your dream home gym, or just relax!
Ready to take the next step?
- Design your own Garden Room, and get and instant quote here
- Or you can check out some of our Garden Room Ideas, and examples of the amazing garden rooms Pent Haus have helped create here!
If you are unsure whether you need planning permission, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team at Penthaus here, and we will be happy to assist you.
Disclaimer: This guide provides advice based on our experience and should not be considered a definitive source of legal information. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the correct permissions are obtained for their building.
Learn
more…
Explore our insporation guide
Prefer to chat?
How to Build a Garden Room in Less than 10 Steps
DIY Garden Rooms: How to self-build your own dream Garden Room
A self-build garden room can be a budget-friendly way to get the room of your dreams where you can relax, work, or make space for your hobby. With a little planning and some basic DIY skills, you can add that extra space to your home using a self-build garden room kit. Pent Haus provides you with an easy construction kit that simplifies the process and equipment needed, so you can build your dream garden room in as little as 3 days and less than 10 steps.
In less than 10 steps you can transform your garden. In this guide, we have broken down the steps involved in building a garden room yourself. Also check out our blog here, on How Long It Takes to Build a Garden Room.
With Pent Haus, you can design your ideal room in 3 minutes with our configurator, it can be manufactured in as little as 3 weeks, and built within 3 days!
Step 1: Plan Your Garden Room
Design, Location, and Permits
Before you start, think about how you want to use your garden room. Will it be a garden office, a garden yoga studio, an extra guest room, or a place to relax with a good book? The purpose will influence the design, size, and features you need.
Size – Think about marking out where you want your garden room to be using pegs and string or spray paint so that you can see what size you need.
Next, select a suitable spot in your garden. Here are some factors to think about:
- Sunlight – Ensure your room is getting light at the time of day you will be using it. Also, think about the shade it may cast in your garden.
- Privacy – is there a spot in your garden that will give you privacy?
- Access to utilities such as electricity and water. If you would like electricity and water, think about positioning your garden room in a spot that will give you easy access to utilities. We recommend consulting an expert to choose the right spot before you start building – this may save you going over budget in the long run!
- Ground Surface – Ensure you pick a spot that can fit your garden room and has a stable ground to build a foundation on. Also, think about how close to your boundary you can build your garden room to make the most of every inch of space in your garden.
Pent Haus has an innovative foundation system which can be built on any ground surface, even slopes! Plus, our designs mean you can build right up to your boundary!
Finally, it’s important to check local building regulations to see if you need any permits or if there are any restrictions on size and height. Usually, a garden room doesn’t need planning permission making it a budget-friendly way to add value to your home, but it is key to check!
Step 2: Choose Your Garden Room, and Get Your Materials
Time to start choosing your garden room kit! There are so many designs of DIY garden rooms to choose from, it’s important to do your research. Find the solution which is right for you considering the time needed to build it, quality, simplicity, and skill level. Keep in mind the complexity of the garden room, and your time, and skill level to build it. Quality is also an important factor – you don’t want to have to rebuild your garden room due to low-quality materials!
At Pent Haus, we offer a 10-year guarantee on all garden rooms, for peace of mind, plus customer service on hand to help you through your build.
Pent Haus includes all the materials you will need to build your garden room yourself, no specialist skills are required and it can take only 3 days! Meaning you don’t have to worry about an overly complex build project. Every supplier is different, so we always recommend checking what is included and how long it will take to build.
Order everything in plenty of time, and read all the instructions to ensure you have all the tools you need.
Design is also a very important factor to consider. Remember to take into account running costs, soundproofing, as well as windows and doors for light. All our garden rooms offer low running costs, no maintenance, and soundproofing, as well as customisable window, door and roof options.
Design your dream room with our configurator here, and make a garden room unique to you in 3 minutes!
Top Tip – To make your garden room cost-effective, compare the sizing options when shopping, it might be less than you think to add that extra metre.
Step 3: Building Your Garden Room’s Foundations
Clear the Area
Remove any grass, rocks, or debris from the chosen site. Prepare by marking out your area with string or spray paint, and checking it is flat using a laser level or the string method.
Top Tip: Build in more time than you think you need to clear the area – it takes longer than you think!
Lay the Foundation
Depending on your design and where your garden room kit is from will dictate what kind of foundation is needed. Concrete blocks or a timber frame are most common. Don’t worry about this being complicated – it is often simple to do as long as you ensure you are starting with a level base.
Pent Haus has an innovative, simple-to-build foundation which makes this step even easier!
4. Construction Materials
Don’t compromise on quality, or you may have to pay for costly maintenance or even replace your garden room altogether!
This is the mainframe to which you will then add your finishes (interior and exterior). These usually come pre-cut, but it’s worth checking this when purchasing your self-build garden room kit. You will start with the floor, and then add your walls, and finally, the roof. It’s key to checking everything is level as you go.
Pent Haus garden rooms have an innovative design which makes them easy to put together, plus the frame includes the exterior cladding to save you time and make your build as simple as possible!
Top Tip: Check whether your frame is treated or if you need to do this. Ensure you use material treated to stand the test of time outdoors to make your garden room low maintenance.
Step 5: Install Windows, Doors, and Insulation
In this step, you will first install your windows and doors. Followed by the roof lining and the roof itself.
At this stage, you will also install the interior wall panels and ceiling. Most people want an insulated garden room, so you will also need to install insulation if not already included in the panels you have installed. Here at Pent Haus, our garden room panels are already structurally insulated panels (SIPs), which offer highly efficient thermal values and exceptional strength, as well as soundproofing. This keeps our garden rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also means exceptionally low running costs – helping you stay on budget.
Think about Utilities
Make sure that at this stage you check whether your garden room kit requires you to install utilities such as electricity before the internal walls and floor.
Luckily, at Pent Haus, we have unique preformed channels and pre-cut sockets which enable you to run the cables discretely and easily. You can even install electrics after your garden room is installed to make it as simple as possible.
Top Tip: Ensure you check if your DIY garden room comes with pre-cut openings for your windows and doors (don’t worry, Pent Haus will have already done this for you!).
Step 6: Exterior Details
Decking and Pathways
It’s now time to start thinking about how you will access your garden room, and integrate it into your garden. Common options we see is a decking or paved area outside your garden room so you can enjoy outside dining or seating. You will also want to think about a step into your garden room, as well as a pathway to your new garden room from your home.
Check out our gallery here or our Instagram, to see how some of our clients have made beautiful decking and paving areas to integrate their garden room with their house and garden.
A Note on Exterior Cladding
In some DIY garden room kits, you will also need to think about installing exterior cladding at this point to the garden room frame. You will need to ensure that your garden room is completely waterproof and protected from the elements.
Pent Haus garden room panels already include the exterior cladding made of ToughWood™, and are engineered to create ultra-tough, dense and stable cladding. It looks like wood but has none of the disadvantages of natural wood! Plus, our cladding is maintenance-free, meaning you don’t need to worry about future garden room DIY.
Step 7: Interior Finishing
Finish the Walls and Ceiling
Now it’s time to finish your walls and ceiling to your desired finish. Whether that’s painting the walls, adding internal panelling details or even tiling!
Add Flooring
Lay down the flooring material of your choice, whether it’s wood, laminate, or carpet.
Time To Decorate
The fun part! You can now decorate your Garden Room as you would any other room in your house.
Building a Garden Room yourself using a DIY garden room kit may seem daunting, but with the right process, and basic DIY skills, your dream garden room becomes a very viable option!
Ready to start your self-build Garden Room journey? Use our free tool to design your dream now.
Learn
more…
Explore our insporation guide
Prefer to chat?
