Want to add extra workspace without moving home? There are two main options available: building a garden office or paying for an extension.
Both have their benefits, but the right solution for you depends on your overall budget, preferences, the amount of space you need, and whether adding value to your home is a priority.
In this post, we’ll reveal whether a garden office or extension adds more value to your home, while also exploring which option suits your needs.
Both garden offices and home extensions can add extra living space without you having to move home. However, both work differently.
While a garden office is a free-standing structure in your outdoor space, a home extension is attached to your home, which means that it requires structural modifications.
Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, but you may need planning permission for an extension.
Sure, we’re talking about value…but your outright budget matters too. It will probably come as no surprise to learn that garden rooms are the cheaper option.
They’re easier to create, don’t require significant structural alterations, and simplify the planning process.
The average price of a bespoke garden office can range from £15,000 to £40,000, depending on size and features.
The average home extension costs between £40,000 and over £60,000 – although some simple builds can start at around £25,000.
As mentioned before, the majority of garden buildings fall under Permitted Development Rights, because they’re solo structures.
As long as the room is in your back garden and doesn’t cover more than 50% of the area, you usually won’t need to apply for planning permission.
A single-storey home extension may not require planning permission, but it depends on your home and the addition’s size. Larger projects usually require a planning application, which can be stressful if you’re not sure how to navigate the process.
The government’s Planning Portal can help you determine whether you need to apply for permission.
If you’re looking for a quick solution, garden offices are a no-brainer. While bespoke rooms take longer than pre-fabricated garden buildings, they’re designed to your specifications and offer a more premium finish.
Once the design phase is complete, we can install most rooms within two weeks. However, home extensions take longer because there’s more construction work.
The average timeframe for an extension can be anything from 3 to 6 months. If there are delays in the planning permission application, it can take longer.
Another important factor to consider when choosing between a garden office and a home extension is your stress tolerance. While both require access to your home, garden offices are the more convenient option.
The team only needs access to your back garden, which can be more convenient if you have pets or children. Home extensions can cause more disruptions, as the construction team will need access to your home.
When it comes to long-term running costs, it depends on multiple factors. These include how you use the room and the type of insulation you choose. For example, if you have a lot of equipment, then the costs will be higher.
Garden rooms are typically cheaper to run because they make use of natural light and double glazing to reduce energy bills.
When you choose a custom garden studio from Rockwood, you can also benefit from premium insulation materials, which reduce your energy bills.
A garden building can increase your home’s value by 5% to 15%. So, a £300,000 home’s value could increase by £15,000 to £45,000, depending on the area and whether the room is multi-functional, which will make it more attractive to buyers.
A home extension could add between £20,000 and £50,000. But here’s the thing: the increased value is only one part of the story, because your upfront expenses matter too.
But, because you’re paying more upfront for the extension, the return on your initial investment is often similar.
So, we know that both garden rooms and extensions can add extra space to your home, avoid high moving costs, and increase property value. But which one best aligns with your needs?
Here are some things to consider:
As you can see, both garden rooms and home extensions are flexible ways to increase your living space and save money.
While home extensions can suit some households, garden rooms are usually the more affordable solution. If you’re interested in exploring bespoke garden buildings, Rockwood Garden Studios can help you design a multi-functional office space.
Our service includes premium insulation, double glazing, and custom designs that suit all garden types and style preferences.
Please contact us today to discuss your needs. We’ll provide a free quote once we understand the type of room you’d like to create.