My garden Room Build

Hi all,

I've decided to blog my Garden Room build

I dont really have a design on paper as such but it will be 3.6x3.6 and have a single door 2m ( sliding ) at the front

Finish will be cedar on 2 sides and something else (cheaper) on the other (unseen )

Estimated build price = 4.5k
Estimate build time = ???

In case anyone thinks I am clever and have any clue how to do this by myself, I am basically following this chap along a fair amount
Ali Dymock - but at the rate he is going I think I will pass him out !


Here is where I am so far ......

I spent a lot of time clearing out and digging this area.
Its pure topsoil and very soft, but also full of roots which makes digging it heart breaking - each shovel ends up empty by the time the roots have cleaned it



Getting there now - the 3 squares where left over from another project but are intended to help me id where to dig the foundations




Bit of a leap forward here, I was probably too exhausted to take photos of the next bit - I dug 9 holes, all about 600mm deep and minimum of about 500mm square to try get some solid footings

I filled them with hard core and got them to level. ( dont underestimate how difficult this is )

Not forgetting the DPC of course, and making sure its somewhere near square.



Started filling in the frame floors. I am using 150*44 boards for the framing. There is nowhere more than 1.7m span so I think its more than enough
I initially started by filling in the cross rafters directly into the frame.
The extra rafter at the front is there to bolster the frame on the blocks.




I changed tack quickly - and decided to make 2 smaller inner frame for the other half as its much easier to break the job into chunks. These also sit on the same blocks inside the original frame. My apprentice helped a bit too !



Getting there now - frames inside frame - all square, and level
Weed control down, and some junk thrown in for good measure



So, moved on another bit. Put DPC around all the bottom of the outside frame, not sure why other than the little lady and I were looking for something to do together the other night and I was awaiting a delivery of stuff

Moved on to installing the insulation - rigid 100mm PIR
I had read that cutting it a little smaller with lugs to stop them falling through, then filling with expanding foam is the way to go.

I didnt do that, instead opting to cut them fairly exact and only filling where necessary

I then taped the joins closed ( cause thats what I saw on the youtube ) but I dont know why ! ( also, when I say I, I meant my foreman did it ! )



Next up polythene vapour barrier - and we are ready for flooring




Floor on - ready for more action !
I made a stupid error here and tore into this without checking they were totally on square, dunno why! its no biggy really it just means the little trims at the ends where the plywood overhangs the frame will be odd shapes



Thats where I am as of Saturday - today I will build the fist wall frame.
Whenever its socially acceptable to start making noise on a BH Monday morning !

Hope this is useful or at least interesting for someone - I am happy to answer any questions I can - but as you can see, I am no expert !