Information
Planning, install and practical guidance
Most people asking about a garden room want three things settled first: do they need permission, how long will it take, and will it actually be usable in winter. The short answers are below — we will check your address properly on a site visit.
Permitted development
Many garden rooms used as incidental space — a home office, gym or studio — can fall under permitted development if height, eaves and boundary rules are met. Using a room as a separate dwelling is a different matter. We will not pretend every garden qualifies; we will tell you if a simple application is the cleaner route.
Access and delivery
Long side returns, no vehicle access and established planting are normal. Panel sizes and the install sequence are planned around the route into the garden, which is why a site visit matters more than a photo from the back door.
What we quote
Structure, insulation, cladding, doors, windows and install are specified in writing. Bases, electrical connections and interior fit-out are either included or listed separately. You will see the difference before you say yes.
Questions people actually ask
Planning, install and the practical bits
Do I need planning permission?+
Many garden rooms fall under permitted development if they stay within height and boundary limits and are used as incidental space (office, gym, studio) rather than a separate dwelling. We'll check your address, garden and proposed size and advise the simplest compliant route before you commit.
How long does installation take?+
A typical insulated room is on site for a small number of days once the base is ready, depending on size, glazing and access. Lead time before that depends on specification and the season — we'll give you a clear programme with the quote.
What about tight access?+
Side gates, long gardens and no vehicle access are common. We plan panel sizes and delivery around the route into the garden, and we'll flag any constraints on the site visit rather than discovering them on install day.
What is a garden office?+
A garden office is an insulated garden building specified for home working: desk space, plenty of power, good daylight and a door that separates work from the house. The structure is the same family as a garden room — the layout and electrics do the extra work.
Are the rooms insulated for winter?+
Yes. These are year-round buildings, not summer houses. Walls, floor and roof are insulated, openings are properly glazed, and the room is designed to take a simple electric heater or to connect into your electrics for comfortable winter use.
What is included in a quote?+
A Greenwood quote covers the building as specified — structure, insulation, cladding, doors, windows, and the install itself. Foundations, electrics connections and interior fit-out can be included or listed separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for. We do not hide extras in the small print.
How much does a garden room cost?+
It depends on size, glazing, cladding and whether you need a new base or electrics. We will not publish a fake 'from' price. After a site visit we give a fixed, written quote for the room you actually want.
Where do you work?+
Across Hertfordshire, Essex and nearby towns — including St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Stevenage, Hitchin, Bishop's Stortford, Harlow, Epping and surrounding villages. Send a postcode if you would like us to confirm.
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Clear advice and honest pricing across Hertfordshire, Essex and surrounding areas.
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Book a free site visit
Send a postcode, a rough size and what you want the room for. We'll come back with honest advice — including whether a garden room is the right move.
hello@greenwoodgardenrooms.co.uk
Areas we cover