
In this series, we delve into everything involved in building a high-quality garden room. Alongside a detailed video series, we’ll also provide project plans, enabling you to construct your own garden room step by step. From the outset, our aim is clear: to create a garden room of exceptional quality that will stand the test of time and serve as a comfortable, inspiring space.
Our motivation for this project stems from the challenges we’ve faced while working from home. The house often becomes a noisy, distracting environment—especially with young children around. It’s not ideal for them either, as they are constantly reminded to keep quiet or witness me disappearing into work mode. A garden room promises to be the perfect solution for maintaining productivity while reclaiming valuable space inside the house for family-oriented activities.
Initially, we considered purchasing a pre-built garden room from a supplier but quickly realised this wasn’t the path for us. The quality often felt subpar, and the prices were exorbitant. We realised we could construct something far superior for a fraction of the cost.
Throughout the building process, we will adhere to best practices and reference industry standards wherever possible. While constructing under Permitted Development regulations means the garden room isn’t required to meet formal building standards, we intend to meet or exceed these guidelines whenever practical. Our priority is to create a space that exemplifies quality craftsmanship while remaining cost-effective.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to design and build a garden room that blends durability, functionality, and beauty—all while keeping the budget sensible and manageable.
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:
- Timber Merchant 5% Discount Code MAKERSMANUAL5
- Scottish Building Standards
- English Building Standards
- U-value Calculator
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.
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
- EPDM Roof Kit
- 5% Discount Code MAKERSMANUAL
- PIR Insulation 100mm
- 5% Discount Code MAKERSMANUAL5
- Insulation & Membranes
- Tie Truss Clips
- Square Twist Nails
- 50mm Outdoor Screws
- 125mm Framing Screws
- Foam Gun
- Expanding Foam
- Aluminium Foil Tape
- Thermally Broken Fixings
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….