BuyGardenPods
Garden Office Buying Guide
Everything to get right before you buy a garden office pod - size, insulation, roof, electrics, base, planning and cost.
1. Pick the right size
Measure your desk setup and add space to move. As a rule: 5-6m² for one desk; 7-10m² for a desk plus meeting chair and storage; 12m²+ for an office that doubles as a gym, studio or garden room. Leave at least 20cm around the pod for maintenance access, and stay clear of drains and tree roots.
2. Insulation and heating
For year-round use you want insulation in the walls, floor and roof (45mm minimum, 70mm is better) and double glazing. A single 1-2kW panel or oil-filled heater is then enough for a UK winter. Add a small AC / heat-pump unit if you want cooling in summer.
3. Roof style
Pent (single slope) keeps the height under 2.5m for permitted development within 2m of a boundary. Apex / reverse-apex gives a vaulted ceiling and a more traditional look but a higher ridge.
4. Electrics
A garden office needs its own armoured cable (SWA) run from the house consumer unit to a small unit in the pod, installed and certified by a qualified electrician (Part P). Budget £600-£1,500 depending on cable run. Our pre-wire pack gets the pod ready for that final connection.
5. The base
Options: concrete slab, paving on a sub-base, or ground screws / adjustable plinths. It must be level and match the footprint. Ground screws are quick and need no concrete; a slab is the most forgiving on soft ground.
6. Planning permission
Most garden offices are permitted development. The common trip-ups are height near a boundary, being in a conservation area or listed curtilage, and covering more than 50% of the garden.
7. Cost
See the full breakdown in how much does a garden office cost. Short version: £3k-£15k supplied, plus base and installation.
8. Delivery and installation
Lead times run 6-12 weeks. You can self-assemble simpler pods or add our installation team for a finished result in 1-2 days.
