An arbor keeps things tidy in the garden because tools can be easily stored in the small shed. Comfortably furnished, you can relax undisturbed here in the summer months or celebrate with neighbors and friends. But how much does a self-planned and self-built garden house cost and is it really cheaper than the prefabricated kit??
How much does a garden house cost if you build it yourself?
The costs for a self-built garden house vary depending on the size, type and quality of wood, foundation, roof covering and equipment. Cheap tool sheds are possible, but interior work can be expensive when adding water, electricity, insulation and heating.
Individuality is trump
One advantage of the self-constructed garden house is obvious: its uniqueness. You can plan the living space, the storage area or an additional terrace according to your own wishes, at least as long as they comply with the legal regulations of the building permit.
The cost factors
These are diverse and at the same time dependent on the planned size. You should include in your calculation:
- The type of wood: High-quality wooden planks with a thickness of up to 90 millimeters are significantly more expensive than the, in many cases, completely sufficient planks with a thickness of up to 45 millimeters. It becomes even more expensive if a small, brick garden house is your dream.
- The quality of the wood. Although hard softwood lasts for many years, it is not cheap. With good weather protection and regular painting, the lifespan of inexpensive wood qualities can be significantly extended. So at this point you can save money.
- The foundation: Should it be a slab foundation or a complex concrete base plate?
- The roof covering: Is roofing felt sufficient or do you want a house that is covered with bitumen shingles or tiles?
- The equipment.
- Don't forget: the costs for the building permit.
It can be expensive due to the interior work
The dream of a tool shed made of inexpensive wood can be implemented relatively inexpensively. If the garden house is in an allotment or on a leisure property, you may also want to use it as a weekend house and expand the interior accordingly. Depending on the equipment, the interior design can make construction significantly more expensive. Such a house should:
- Have good insulation for a pleasant indoor climate.
- Water and electricity connections are features that noticeably improve the comfort of a garden house in which you occasionally want to stay overnight.
- The house can only be used in the cool season if you integrate heating.
The ready-made kit
If the calculation is for self-construction, bargain hunters compare the price again with that of prefabricated kits that meet the desired requirements. When comparing prices, remember that you don't have to spend long looking for the necessary material, the right screws and other materials. The final assembly is completed in just a few hours and you have a guarantee on the quality. What seems expensive at first glance can ultimately be cheaper due to the time saved.
Tip
Saving hunters should never save in the wrong place. When buying, pay attention not only to the thickness, but also to the quality of the wood used. Material that was felled in the far north is recommended, as the trees here grow slower and are therefore of better quality.
