How Much Does a Summer House Cost in the UK?
Summer houses are amazing garden structures that give you an extra room to play with, and provide a special place close to the outdoors that you can relax in.
If you are considering adding a summer house to your property you need to understand the cost implications. Generally, these are cheaper than log cabins and garden rooms and there are many affordable summer houses.
As with any project like this, however, the cost ultimately depends on multiple factors like the size, materials, extras, and labor involved. Below, I provide a comprehensive guide on summer house cost so you can see if it is a viable option.
Is a Summer House Worth It?
I advise spending some time thinking about the pros and cons of summer houses, and whether you would benefit from one before looking at costing.
These simple garden structures have many benefits – the main one being that it gives you extra room to utilize. This can be turned into any number of things such as a bar, lounge, games room, gym, or office, for example.
They are also pleasant to use, and providing there is insulation, they are habitable all year round. The downside is the fact that you lose garden space, and you have to use them regularly to warrant the initial investment.
How Much Does a Pre-Built Summer House Cost?
So how much is a summer house? To give you a quick estimate, base prices for just the summer house and installation range from £3500 to £18,000, with the UK average being around £13,500. The variance is due to the potential extras you can include, and to be more specific, I have detailed these below:
Extras
The extras and optional upgrades are where you can either make a saving or boost the summer house cost hugely. Common extras include:
- Cladding upgrades
- Wood stain
- Upgraded windows
- Gutters & downpipes
- Decorative exterior
If you just want a summer house to relax in during the warmer months, you may not need these extras, in which case you can spend anywhere from £3589 to £12,000 depending on the size and design.
However, if you want it to last, and to be usable year-round, some extras like insulation and stain become essential.
Wood stain and cladding can help improve the longevity of the summer house and you can spend anywhere between £500-2000, size dependant. Floor and internal insulation can cost £500 upwards.
Window upgrades may be a great idea too to add a little more style to your summer house. Most summer houses include double-glazed windows as standard but these typically have a wooden frame. It is possible to upgrade to PVCU windows for example and this typically costs an extra £500-1000.
Other extras like guttering, downpipes, and laminate flooring can just make your summer house look even more stunning and you can expect to add an extra £1000 for this as a guideline.
Size
To get an accurate summer house cost you must first decide the size. Size affects every aspect of the summer house cost; from the basic structure price to the insulation, flooring, and stain. Simply put, the bigger you want your summer house, the more you have to pay.
To give you an example, our Platinum Highclere Summer House starts at £3589 for a 6ftx8ft model, up to £7419 for a 14ftx14ft unit (not including any extras).
Insulation
If you want to survive the average UK winter temperatures of 2-7 degrees, your summer house needs insulation on the roof and floor. This is usually an extra and you can have either or both. The insulation cost is directly correlated to the size of the cabin with a small 6ftx8ft cabin insulation costing around £500, and a larger 14ftx10ft cabin insulation costing around £1400.
Assembly
Some companies charge extra for summer house installation and this can range anywhere from £600-2000 depending on the size. Our range of summer houses all include installation at the base price.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Summer House?
If you are feeling adventurous you could try and build your own summer house. Indeed, it may be possible to simply order a summer house as an unassembled kit and have the materials delivered to your home. In this instance, you are essentially saving on the assembly cost, which compared to the overall price, isn’t much.
Additionally, most of our summer houses include free installation so there really isn’t much benefit to building your own summer house.
Calculate Your Summer House Cost and Start Your Next Garden Project
You should now have a clear idea of the different factors involved in determining how much does a summer house cost. You can find full information on our summer house page and we have detailed price brochures too listing the various extras mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How Much Does a Summer House Cost in the UK?
- Does A Summer House Add Value UK?Adding a summer house to your property in the UK can increase its overall value. They are highly sought after by buyers looking for additional living or recreational space. These structures create a desirable outdoor living area, which can significantly enhance the appeal of your property. Investing in one can attract potential buyers willing to pay a premium for a home with this desirable feature. The versatility and functionality can make your property stand out in a competitive housing market.
- How Much Does a Summer House Cost in the UK?The cost of a summer house in the UK varies significantly depending on size, location, and materials used. On average, an essential summer house can range from £1,000 to £5,000, while more luxurious options can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £20,000 or more. Factors such as additional features, customisations, and quality of construction can further increase the price. It is essential to thoroughly research and consider all aspects before investing in a summer house to ensure it aligns with your budget and requirements.
- Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Summer House?Constructing your summer house can sometimes be more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-built structure. By sourcing materials independently and doing the labour yourself, you can save significant money. However, it is essential to consider factors such as skill level, time commitment, and potential setbacks during construction. Conducting thorough research and obtaining accurate cost estimates are crucial to determining if self-build is your cheaper option.
- Is It Worth Buying A Summer House?Purchasing a summer house for your garden can be valuable if you seek additional living space or a tranquil retreat close to your home. Having a dedicated structure for relaxation, entertaining, or work purposes during the warmer months can enhance your quality of life and increase the overall value of your property. However, consider your needs and usage patterns to determine if they align with your lifestyle and long-term goals.
