It’s never been easier to buy a garden room online.
A quick scroll and you’ll find dozens of slick websites promising “luxury garden rooms” delivered in days, sometimes with price tags that sound too good to be true.
Spoiler: they usually are.
At CG Garden Rooms, we don’t believe in scare tactics — but we’ve seen what happens when homeowners choose a cheap garden room thinking it’ll do the job. A year or two later, they’re dealing with draughts, damp, condensation, cracking, warping, or worst of all — a space no one actually wants to use.
So here’s the real guide: how to spot a garden room that looks like a deal but ends up being a disappointment — and how to make sure you invest in something that truly lasts.
1. Check What “Fully Insulated” Actually Means
One of the most misleading terms in garden room marketing?
“Fully insulated.”
We’ve seen that phrase used on builds that offer little more than foil-backed bubble wrap between two sheets of timber.
Real insulation means:
- Breathable membranes
- PIR insulation boards or similar high-grade materials
- Vapour control layers
- Full floor, wall, and ceiling coverage
- Airtight seals at all joins
If it’s not built like a proper internal room, it’s not going to perform like one.
And the real problem? You won’t notice until winter — or worse, when condensation starts to creep in.
What to ask:
- What kind of insulation do you use, and how thick is it?
- Is it included in all walls, floors, and the roof?
- How is damp managed in the structure?
2. If It Has No Proper Foundation, Walk Away
A surprising number of cheap garden rooms are sold as “floating floors” or are propped on poorly prepped gravel slabs.
The result?
👎🏻 Shifting over time.
👎🏻Movement in bad weather.
👎🏻And often, problems with damp rising from underneath.
A proper base:
- Sits on ground screws, pad foundations, or concrete
- Is levelled professionally
- Creates a stable, breathable layer beneath the structure
- Protects your investment for years — not just seasons
Why it matters:
Without a solid foundation, even the best cladding or finish won’t save you from movement cracks or eventual structural issues.
3. Look Closely at the Windows and Doors
Here’s where most cheap builds cut corners.
Flimsy aluminium or uPVC frames, single-glazing, or non-branded doors are common.
This doesn’t just affect aesthetics — it impacts:
- Thermal performance
- Noise insulation
- Long-term durability (hello, warping)
- Overall energy efficiency
At CG, we use premium-grade aluminium doors and high-performance glazing. Why? Because you’re not buying a shed. You’re building a space to live, work, relax, and enjoy.
What to ask:
- Are the doors double-glazed and thermally broken?
- What’s the U-value of the glazing?
- Are the doors lockable and weather-rated?
4. Ask Where the Structure Comes From
Many cheap garden rooms are flat-pack kits made overseas and distributed by local sales teams with no real construction background.
That means:
- You can’t customise anything
- After-sales support is limited
- The build often doesn’t meet UK standards for thermal or structural performance
We’ve seen homeowners caught in endless cycles of calling support, only to be told the manufacturer is abroad, unavailable, or just not liable.
What to ask:
- Who designs and builds the structure?
- Can I speak directly to the builder or project manager?
- Are your teams local and fully insured?
If no one can answer those clearly, that’s your sign to walk away.
5. Watch for Cladding Shortcuts
Cladding is one of the first things you notice on a garden room. But many budget builds use thin, untreated timber or composite panels that won’t last more than a couple of winters without warping or discolouring.
Some “stylish” finishes hide what’s underneath — like MDF or OSB boards that won’t stand up to moisture long-term.
At CG, we offer a choice of durable, low-maintenance cladding options designed to stay looking sharp for years — not months.
What to look for:
- Is the cladding treated or naturally weather-resistant?
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Can you see an installed example in person?
6. Does It Feel Like a Real Room?
Here’s the bottom line.
If a garden room doesn’t feel like a real room — comfortable, quiet, warm, and practical — it’s not worth your money.
That means:
- Good airflow
- Proper lighting (not just a single ceiling bulb)
- Enough power sockets
- Clean, finished internal walls
- Flooring that doesn’t bounce or feel hollow
At CG, we think of every garden room as a liveable extension of your home — whether it’s used as an office, retreat, studio, or guest space.
Don’t Let a Bargain Cost You More
We get it. Garden rooms are an investment — and it’s tempting to go for the lowest quote.
But here’s what we tell every client:
You’ll forget the price in a year — but you won’t forget the problems.
We’ve replaced more than a few budget builds that simply didn’t last. That’s why we focus on quality materials, experienced builders, and transparent advice — from the first sketch to the final install.
So if you’re shopping around, bring your questions. Challenge the details. Compare what’s included. And most importantly — picture how you want to use the space five years from now.
Because when you do it right the first time, a garden room isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a space you’ll love for years to come.
Thinking about a garden room that’s built to last?
Let’s talk.
We’ll walk you through your options — no pressure, no jargon, just honest advice.