What's included
What goes into a garden room, and what to ask about
Two quotes for the same size room can describe very different buildings. Use these questions to see exactly what you'd be getting.
Part by part
The parts of a garden room
Base
Base and foundations
Concrete slab, ground screws or a timber frame on pads. Ask which suits your ground and access, whether it allows for slopes and tree roots, and how the base keeps the floor clear of the damp.
Structure
Frame and insulation
Ask what the frame is made from and how thick the insulation is in the walls, floor and roof. A breathable membrane and a vapour control layer matter as much as the insulation itself.
Glazing
Windows and doors
Ask whether the glass is double glazed and toughened, what the frames are made of, how the doors lock, and how the design deals with sun and privacy.
Roof
Roof covering and drainage
Ask what the covering is, how the edges and corners are finished, and where rainwater goes: guttering, a soakaway or a water butt.
Power
Electrics and data
Ask how power gets from the house (usually an armoured cable in a trench), what's in the room's consumer unit, how many sockets and lights are included, and whether the work is certified.
Inside
Interior finish
Ask whether walls and ceiling are finished and painted, what flooring is included, and whether skirting and trims are part of the price.
Comfort
Heating and ventilation
Ask what heating is included, if any, and how the room is ventilated. Air conditioning units that heat and cool are an option some people choose.
Site
Preparation and clearing up
Ask who clears the site, moves soil, takes waste away and puts the garden right around the room.
Also worth asking
Questions people forget
- What guarantees cover materials and workmanship, and for how long?
- Who handles any planning or building control?
- How do materials get into the garden?
- Is a skip or parking needed on the street?
- What does the quote leave out?
- How is payment staged?
- Who do I call if something needs looking at later?
- What maintenance does the cladding need?
Next step
Get a quote you can compare
A design consultation leads to a written quote that sets out what's included.
Questions
Common questions
Are electrics usually included?
Often, but not always to the same level. Check how many sockets and lights, how far the cable runs and whether certification is included.
Do I need a concrete base?
Not always. Ground screws and timber bases suit some gardens, especially where access is tight or roots are near. The right choice depends on your ground.