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Garden Room Build Series

We needed an escape from the chaos of daily life inside the house—so we built a Garden Room Office. This series takes you through every stage of the project, showing exactly what’s required to construct a high-quality garden building and why each step matters. Alongside in-depth videos, we’re sharing detailed project plans so you can build your own garden room step by step.

DIY Garden Room Build Guide

From the outset, our goal has been simple: to create a garden room that’s beautiful, durable, and inspiring—all for less than the cost of a pre-made unit.

The idea grew out of our own challenges with working from home. The house often became noisy and distracting, especially with young children around. It wasn’t ideal for them either—seeing us pop in and out but not really being present. A garden room offered the perfect solution: a dedicated, quiet space for productivity while freeing up the home for family life.

At first, we looked at off-the-shelf garden rooms. But the quality we saw was underwhelming, and the prices eye-watering. It quickly became clear we could build something better ourselves—superior in finish and function, and for a fraction of the cost.

Throughout the project, we’ve committed to best practices and industry standards wherever possible. Even though Permitted Development regulations mean the build doesn’t have to meet full building control standards, we’re choosing to meet—or exceed—them whenever practical. The result will be a garden room that reflects true craftsmanship, while still being cost-effective.

Join us on this journey as we design and build a garden room that balances quality, functionality, and style—a space built to last, without breaking the budget.

Discount Codes

I have managed to negotiate discount codes with the following companies:

  • Materials Market – Timber and Building Supplies. Provide trade prices & a clear website.
    • 5% Discount Code MAKERSMANUAL5
  • Rubber4Roofs.co.uk – EPDM Roof Membrane Kits
    • 5% Discount Code MAKERSMANUAL

Part 1: Permitted Development & Foundation Options

We dive into Planning Permission, or in this case, Permitted Development, and explore how these regulations impact our build. We then design the timber base frame and foundations, carefully evaluating different foundation options. Ultimately, we choose a solution that is both cost-effective and suitable for a DIY installation.

Useful links:

Part 2: Foundations & Base Frame

We roll up our sleeves and begin digging the foundations, carefully constructing the base frame. It’s important to research the best foundation option for your specific project, but our approach is remarkably straightforward. The more you build, the simpler the process becomes, as the frame naturally guides the positioning of the next foundation hole and post.

Along the way, we share a few practical tips: how to create a jig for cutting multiple joists to identical lengths with ease, how to sort joists for a level floor, and how to select the right joist hangers for your needs.

Tools & Products Used

Part 3: Floor Insulation & Subfloor

We focus on construct a soakaway, insulating the floor, and installing the subfloor. I’ll guide you through determining the correct size for a soakaway and its purpose, calculating the U-value to decide on the right amount of insulation, and finally, laying an OSB subfloor. We’ll also explore the role of a damp-proof membrane and the practical considerations of outdoor construction.

Useful links:

Tools & Products Used

Part 4: Wall Framing

We uncover the base frame after it’s been wrapped up for winter. After a few minor repairs, we get to work building the stud walls and sheathing. We explain all the jargon used in timber frame construction and explain why things are built the way they are. The front wall was particularly challenging (and fun), because it has two windows and a large door in a small area. This meant we had to pay particular attention to the order we put it together.

Tools & Products Used

Part 5: Warm Roof vs Cold Roof

In this episode, we take a break from building to explore the different roofing options for a Garden Room. We look into Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), as well as a detailed look at Warm Roof and Cold Roof options. We explain how each are constructed and then look at the Pros and Cons of each approach.

We also highlight what seems to be a significant flaw in Warm Roof designs, that the industry is apparently overlooking. Maybe we’re overthinking things, but all the logic seems to indicate that it’s a real issue. Please let us know your thoughts on the matter (comment on YouTube).

Part 6: Roof, EPDM Roof & Fascias

We build the roof; including adding the insulation, fascia’s and EPDM roofing membrane. It feels great to have a rain tight building and really takes the pressure off. As we build the roof, and describe the difference between a cold and warm roof and how things differ. We also give a detailed explanation of how to install the fascia’s, which we struggled to find information on in our research.

Tools & Products Used

Part 7: Fitting uPVC Windows & Doors

We install uPVC windows and doors. This is a surprisingly easy process, so long as you follow the steps in the video. After you’ve watched this, you’ll never want to pay for someone else to do it again.

We also look into the best way to cut the breather membrane around the window and door openings. Strangely we struggled to find professional advice on this in the UK, but what we did find confirmed that it is an important step to get right. We ended up bucking the trend and took a different approach to most builders.

Tools & Products Used

Part 8: Batten & Timber Cladding

Coming Soon… waiting on deliveries

Part 9: Electrical Choices & First Fix Electrics

Coming Soon…

Part 10: Wall Insulation, Vapour Barrier & Plasterboard

Coming Soon….

Part 11: Interiors

Coming Soon….