Garden Rooms vs Home Extensions: What’s Best for Slough Homes?
A garden room in Slough is a standalone structure built within your garden, separate from the main house. Modern garden rooms are fully insulated, connected to electrics, and designed for year-round use.
Common uses include:
- Home offices
- Studios or creative spaces
- Gyms or wellness rooms
- Guest or hobby rooms
Because they don’t alter the main building, garden rooms are often quicker to build and less disruptive than extensions.
What Is a Home Extension?
A home extension involves expanding the footprint of your existing property. This could be a single-storey rear extension, side extension, or a two-storey build.
Extensions are typically used to:
- Create larger kitchens or dining areas
- Add family living space
- Add bedrooms or bathrooms
- Improve layout and flow
Extensions permanently integrate new space into the home and often increase overall property value.
Cost Comparison: Garden Room vs Extension
Garden Room Costs
In Slough, a high-quality garden room typically costs:
- £15,000 – £35,000+, depending on size, specification, and finishes
Costs are usually fixed and predictable, making budgeting easier.
Extension Costs
Home extension costs are generally higher:
- Single-storey extension: £35,000 – £65,000+
- Two-storey extension: £60,000 – £100,000+
Extensions involve more groundwork, structural work, and internal finishes, which increases cost.
Verdict: Garden rooms are usually the more affordable option upfront.
Planning Permission & Regulations
Garden Rooms
Many garden rooms fall under permitted development, meaning planning permission is often not required, provided size and placement rules are followed.
This can speed up the project significantly.
Home Extensions
Extensions are more likely to require:
- Planning permission
- Building control approvals
- Structural calculations
In Slough, some properties may also face restrictions depending on location or previous alterations.
Verdict: Garden rooms often involve fewer planning hurdles.
Disruption During the Build
Garden Rooms
Because garden rooms are built separately from the house:
- Minimal disruption to daily life
- No need to move kitchens or living areas
- Faster build times (often 2–4 weeks)
Extensions
Extensions typically involve:
- Structural work to existing walls
- Temporary loss of space
- Noise and disruption inside the home
Build times can range from 10–20 weeks depending on complexity.
Verdict: Garden rooms are far less disruptive.
How Will You Use the Space?
This is often the deciding factor.
Garden Rooms Work Best For:
- Home offices
- Quiet work or creative space
- Occasional guest use
- Separation between work and home life
Extensions Work Best For:
- Kitchens and dining areas
- Family living space
- Bedrooms and bathrooms
- Everyday household use
Verdict: Extensions are better for core living space, while garden rooms suit flexible or specialist use.
Impact on Property Value
Both options can add value, but in different ways.
- Extensions often add more direct value as they increase internal square footage
- Garden rooms add appeal, flexibility, and marketability, especially for remote workers
In Slough’s competitive property market, both can make a home more attractive to buyers.
Which Option Is Best for Slough Homes?
A garden room may be best if:
- You want fast results
- You need a dedicated workspace
- Budget is a key factor
- You want minimal disruption
A home extension may be best if:
- You need everyday living space
- You’re planning long-term family use
- You want to reconfigure your home layout
- You’re making a major investment in the property
Can You Have Both?
In some cases, homeowners choose both options over time — for example, an extension for living space and a garden room for work or hobbies. This allows flexibility without overloading one solution.
Final Thoughts: Garden Room or Extension?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on how you live, how you plan to use the space, and your long-term goals for the property.
For many Slough homeowners, garden rooms offer a quick, flexible solution, while extensions provide integrated space for growing families. Understanding the differences helps you invest wisely and avoid costly mistakes.
Thinking About Adding Space to Your Home?
If you’re deciding between a garden room or a home extension, professional advice can help you explore the best option for your property, budget, and lifestyle before committing.