2020 was a strange year. Other than the great summer we had, most of us would rather forget it. But one big shift happened that changed how we work forever. People realised they did not need an office to do their job, and coincidentally, that’s when interest in modular timber buildings began to soar.
Once business owners saw how much money can be saved by having a remote team, working from home became normal. But spending all day in the same room you relax in at night gets claustrophobic. That is why so many people have turned to modular timber buildings to create their own garden office space.
A dedicated bespoke garden studio gives you a proper work and life balance while making use of wasted garden space and increasing your property value. Modern insulated timber offices are warm enough to use all year round, even through our dreaded UK winters.
So if you are exploring small garden office ideas, weighing up modular vs bespoke options, or considering a timber building installation, this guide will walk you through the key things to look out for when choosing the right modular timber building for your home.
The Benefits of Modular Timber Buildings
So you are reading about modular timber buildings on a blog from a company that provides these. You might think this is going to be biased (and okay, maybe it is a little) but we are going to keep this factual for you.
The reason thousands of people have flocked to buy modular timber buildings is as follows:
- They are low cost and easy to build: Timber buildings are far more cost-effective than extensions and still add value to your home. They can also be installed in as little as one week without causing the disruption and mess of an extension.
- Care for the planet: Timber buildings are well known for their eco-friendliness.
- Warm all year round: Modular timber buildings, well, ours at least, come fully insulated with double glazed doors and windows. They are warm even in the coldest UK winters.
- An easy way to add space and value: Many gardens sit empty. A timber building allows you to use this wasted space, meaning you can have an office without sacrificing a room in your house. These buildings can add up to 15 percent to your home’s value.
- Low maintenance: Modular timber buildings only need to be treated every one to two years. If that feels like too much, we also offer a composite option, which requires no maintenance at all.
Modular vs Bespoke Garden Offices
If you are wondering which option is right for you, then it is a tricky one. Because you can have a modular timber building that is also bespoke. That is basically 90 percent of what we do at Browns.
But if cost is a factor, you might be weighing up whether it is worth creating something from scratch for your garden or choosing a pre-designed model that has already proven itself. Think of it like choosing between a tailored suit and one that already fits well straight off the rail.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of both.
Modular timber buildings are:
• Lower cost
• Faster to build
• Ideal for most gardens
Bespoke garden studios are:
• Better for awkwardly shaped gardens or tight spaces
• Can be built to any size, spec or budget
• Often better value per m² in the long run
At Browns, we do both. We can create a one-off design completely bespoke to you, or help you choose one of our proven models that have worked for hundreds of customers over the past 20 years.
P.S. Bespoke does not mean expensive. Some of our most cost-effective buildings have been bespoke.
Take a look at our gallery for some inspiration on what’s possible when building your own home office, home gym or social area.
An example of a bespoke timber building with a unique design, midway through construction.
Will I Need Planning Permission for a Timber Building?
In most cases, no. Many modular garden offices fall under permitted development, which means you do not need planning permission if certain rules are followed.
You may need planning permission if:
- The building is over 2.5 metres high and is within two metres of a boundary
- The building will be lived in or used as sleeping accommodation
- Your property is listed or in a conservation area
- You want plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen (as it may count as habitable space)
- The building takes up more than 50 percent of your garden or land area
If the building is at the rear of your property, built on land you own, is under 2.5 metres high near a boundary, and takes up less than 50 percent of your garden space, you should be fine under permitted development.
At Browns, we still like to be certain. We work with a national network of specialist planning consultants who are happy to advise on more complex projects. If you are unsure or want help with a modular timber building or bespoke garden office, click the button below and we will gladly guide you.
Discover more about the rules around home offices and Permitted Development rules here.
Are Insulated Timber Buildings Warm Enough to Use in Winter?
Worried about the winter months? In addition to coming fully-insulated, timber buildings can also come installed with underfloor heating (upon request).
If you use the right supplier, then yes. A properly built modular timber building should be warm, comfortable and usable all year round. The issue comes when people buy pre-built garden rooms or DIY kits. While some can be used in winter, many do not come with insulation or double glazing. If they are not purpose-built garden offices, they can lose heat quickly.
If winter use is important to you, ask your provider two things:
A) What insulation do you use?
B) Where exactly do you insulate?
Some companies do not insulate their buildings at all, while others only insulate the walls, which leaves the roof exposed. This makes a huge difference to warmth and energy efficiency.
We use premium insulation in the roof and walls as standard on our builds. We also have a concrete base, which helps keep the whole building warm all year round.
If you want a modular timber building that you can use comfortably in all seasons, ask the right questions at the start.
How Much Does a Modular Timber Building Cost?
It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a simple summer house that will not be used much during the darker months, you can skip things like insulation and electricity. That alone can lower the cost quite a lot.
On the other hand, if you want a garden office that can be used all year round, stay warm and power a computer all day, it is going to cost a bit more.
We build everything bespoke and have worked on projects of all sizes, from schools to holiday parks. Large bespoke builds, such as outdoor bars with a separate office or storage room, can cost £20,000 or more. These are big buildings, often seven metres or more in length.
Our standard home offices, usually around 3 x 4 metres, start at roughly £12,000.
Our costs include everything. That means your concrete base, doors, windows, electricity, delivery and installation. You can find cheaper prices online, but you need to be careful. Many companies only advertise the basic shell and then charge extra for essentials like electricity, insulation and even installation. You might think you are saving money, only to find out you have bought a flat-pack kit and a pile of timber.
We always say to make sure you compare apples with apples. If you get a quote from another provider, feel free to share it with us. As long as the specification is the same, we will do our best to match it.
Dreaming of a Timber Building? We Are Here to Help
A well-crafted modular timber building is an investment in your home and your future. Do not rush the decision, and make sure you use a provider who can deliver exactly what you need without any surprises.
We have worked with hundreds of customers across the UK during our past 20 years in business. Each building is handcrafted by our team of timber craftsmen in our factory in Horwich.
For a free site survey for your garden office, and some helpful advice on what you can achieve with your space, contact the team by clicking the button below.
