Published on: Thu 9 Oct 2025
Let’s face it—homes aren’t getting any bigger, but our need for space definitely is! Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet office, a home gym, a playroom, or a luxurious guest suite, you’ve got two main choices: go for a traditional house extension or opt for a bespoke garden room. But which one’s the better bang for your buck?
In this article, we’ll break it all down—cost, time, design, flexibility, and value—so you can decide what’s right for you. Spoiler alert: if you’re in Shropshire or nearby, Custom Garden Rooms might be your secret weapon for stylish, affordable extra space.
🏡 What Is a Garden Building, Anyway?
A garden building—also known as a bespoke garden room—is a standalone structure usually built in your backyard. It’s separate from your main house and can be used for pretty much anything:
At Custom Garden Rooms, we design and build modern garden pods and annexes tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you want sleek and minimalist or something more rustic and cosy, we’ve got the Craftsmanship to match your vision.
🔨 What’s a House Extension?
A house extension, on the other hand, involves expanding your existing home—maybe adding a new kitchen, a bathroom, or a bigger living room. It’s connected to your main structure and usually requires planning permissions, builders, architects, and a significant portion of your budget and patience.
💸 Cost Comparison: Garden Buildings vs. House Extensions
House extensions can easily set you back £1,500–£3,000 per square metre, depending on materials, design, and location. And that’s before the “surprises” start rolling in—like plumbing, electrics, or unforeseen construction issues.
Bespoke garden rooms? Much more affordable. With Custom Garden Rooms, you’re looking at a fixed price, with no hidden costs. Everything’s done on time, within budget, and with a clear timeline from day one.
| Feature | House Extension | Garden Building |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | £30,000+ | From £15,000 |
| Time to Complete | 3–6+ months | 2–6 weeks |
| Planning Permission | Often required | Often not needed |
| Disruption to Home | High | Low |
| Flexibility of Use | Moderate | Very high |
⏱️ Time & Disruption: Which Option Keeps the Peace?
Let’s be honest—having builders inside your home for months is no one’s idea of a good time. House extensions can disrupt your day-to-day life, especially if you’re working from home or have kids around.
Garden buildings, on the flip side, are installed outside your living space. Our team at Custom Garden Rooms handles everything—from design to final installation—usually within a few short weeks, with minimal disruption.
🎨 Design Freedom & Flexibility
With a bespoke garden room, you’re not just adding square footage—you’re creating an entirely new environment.
Want floor-to-ceiling windows, eco-friendly insulation, underfloor heating, or a built-in sound system? Done.
Every project we take on in Shropshire and the surrounding areas is custom-designed for how you want to live. Whether it’s a peaceful yoga studio or a full-blown guest suite, your garden room will feel like a slice of luxury steps away from your back door.
🌟 Why More Shropshire Homeowners Are Choosing Garden Rooms
Here’s what makes Custom Garden Rooms a standout choice:
- ✅ Over 55 5-star reviews on Trustpilot
- ✅ Craftsmanship is second to none
- ✅ Built on time and within budget
- ✅ Custom luxury outdoor living spaces
- ✅ Locally based and trusted in Shropshire
“Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The team were friendly, professional, and delivered exactly what they promised. Couldn’t recommend them more highly!” – Sarah W., Shropshire (via Trustpilot)
📍 Garden Rooms in Shropshire – Local, Reliable & Stylish
If you live in Shropshire or nearby, working with a local expert matters. Custom Garden Rooms isn’t some faceless national chain—we know the land, the planning laws, and what homeowners in this beautiful part of the UK truly want.
From consultation to completion, you’ll get a smooth, stress-free experience. And hey, our phone lines are open if you’re ready to chat: 0333 577 1212.
❓ FAQs – Let’s Clear Things Up
Everything you need to know: https://customgardenrooms.com/about/faqs