Garden buildings are a fantastic way of extending your home and creating additional living space
without the expense of planning applications*, building materials and labour.
Post-pandemic we have seen a serious rise in the cost of building materials which is down to several
factors; the demand for HS2 materials causing the industry to increase their prices and insufficient
stock levels due to a delay in importation and backlogs from orders.
Homebuildingandrenovating.co.uk recently reported a 14% rise on materials and we all know that
timescales for renovations and extensions can be longer than anticipated at the best of times, but
standstills caused by shortages could be an additional hidden cost!
With this in mind, perhaps a wooden structure is a more viable option. Your garden building can be
fully spec-ed and the ideal place for you to have your study/hobby room or a desirable place for
luxurious seating area.
In this example, the cedar shingle roof tiles and ridges were brought on eBay for £650.00, the
exterior wood for £2,000 and then there were additional labour costs. Alternatively, you can buy ‘of
the peg’ versions anywhere from £12,000 to £30,000 depending on spec and size.
Costs and provisions also need to be in place for a solid base – concrete, wood or shuttering are
three of the routes you can go down for this and costs vary.
Maybe you already have a wooden structure that just needs some tender love and care! This
summer house had a tongue and grove internal boarding so the holes in the wood were prepared,
filled, and sanded and then painted in Farrow and Ball ‘Old White’ with their ‘Slipper Satin’ as a
contrast on the ceiling. A small sofa was added with artwork, coffee table, a shelving unit and
accessories in order to create a luxurious retreat within the garden.
*Planning permission does have to be obtained should you wish for the ridge of your outbuilding to
be over 2.5m and it be within 2m of your boundary. You will also need permission if your structure
covers over half of the garden.
