Garden Rooms vs Home Extensions: Which Is Best for Canterbury Homes?
If you’re looking to add more living space to your Canterbury home, two of the most popular options are garden rooms and home extensions. Both can increase comfort, improve your lifestyle and boost the value of your property — but each has its own benefits, costs and considerations.
In this guide, we break down the differences to help you choose the best solution for your home.
1. What Is a Garden Room?
A garden room is a purpose-built, standalone structure installed in your outdoor space. It’s usually detached from the main home and designed for year-round use.
Popular uses include:
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- Home offices
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- Gyms
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- Studios or workshops
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- Playrooms
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- Guest rooms
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- Hobby spaces
Garden rooms are insulated, stylish and quick to build — making them a great way to add usable space without major disruption.
2. What Is a Home Extension?
A home extension is a permanent structure added to the main house to increase the internal floor area. Extensions are highly versatile and can be designed to blend seamlessly with your existing property.
Common types include:
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- Single-storey rear extensions
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- Side extensions
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- Double-storey extensions
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- Kitchen extensions
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- Wraparound extensions
Extensions offer the most integrated and flexible long-term solution.
3. Cost Comparison
Garden Rooms
Garden rooms are generally more affordable, with prices starting from around £12,000–£30,000, depending on size, design and insulation level.
They’re highly cost-effective if you need a separate workspace or extra room fast.
Home Extensions
Extensions require more construction work, materials, planning and labour. Prices typically start at £35,000+ for single-storey extensions and increase with size and complexity.
However, they add more value to your home than a garden room.
4. Planning Permission — Canterbury Considerations
Garden Rooms
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- Usually don’t require planning permission
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- Must follow permitted development rules
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- Ideal for conservation areas where house alterations may be restricted
Home Extensions
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- Often fall under permitted development, but:
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- Larger or double-storey extensions may need permission
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- Canterbury has several conservation zones and older properties where rules are stricter
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- Often fall under permitted development, but:
If you’re unsure, we can advise and help manage any planning applications.
5. Construction Time & Disruption
Garden Rooms
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- Quick to install — often completed in 1–3 weeks
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- Minimal disruption to your home
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- No changes to your main living areas
Home Extensions
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- Longer build times — typically 8–16 weeks
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- More structural work and temporary disruption
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- Can require access inside your home
If speed and convenience are your priority, a garden room may be the better option.
6. Long-Term Value
Garden Rooms
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- Great for lifestyle improvement
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- Adds convenience and usable space
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- Moderate value increase
Home Extensions
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- Provides the highest return on investment
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- Increases the size and function of your home
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- Strong appeal for future buyers
If long-term property value is your focus, an extension wins.
So… Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your needs:
Choose a Garden Room if you want:
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- A cost-effective office or studio
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- A quick installation
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- Minimal disruption
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- A detached space for privacy
Choose a Home Extension if you want:
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- To increase the size and value of your property
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- More integrated living space
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- Long-term flexibility
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- Seamless connection with your existing layout
Both options can transform your home — it’s all about picking the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.