Garden Office vs Home Extension: Which Is Best for Maidstone Homes?
As more homeowners look for extra space, two of the most popular options are building a garden office or adding a home extension.
Both can transform how you use your home — but each offers different benefits, costs and levels of disruption.
In a fast-growing area like Maidstone, where many properties are a mix of modern estates, traditional terraces and larger detached homes, the right choice depends on your space, your lifestyle and your long-term plans.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can decide what’s best for your home.
What Is a Garden Office (Garden Room)?
A garden office, sometimes called a garden room or outdoor studio, is a fully insulated standalone structure built in your garden. It’s designed for year-round use and can serve as:
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- A home office
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- A gym
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- A creative studio
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- A therapy room
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- A hobby or relaxation space
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- A teen room or entertainment area
Unlike sheds or summerhouses, modern garden rooms are built with insulation, electrics, double glazing, proper flooring and robust roofing — making them comparable to interior spaces.
What Is a Home Extension?
A home extension involves expanding the footprint of your existing house.
This might include:
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- Rear extensions
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- Side extensions
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- Wraparound extensions
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- Single-storey or double-storey layouts
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- Open-plan kitchen/living expansions
Extensions are integrated into your home’s main structure and typically offer more long-term living space than garden rooms.
Garden Office vs Extension: Key Comparisons
Cost Comparison
Garden Office
A garden room is generally far cheaper than an extension.
Most garden rooms in Maidstone cost between:
£12,000 – £30,000+ depending on size, insulation, windows, electrics, heating and finishes.
Extension
A home extension requires more structural work and internal integration, so costs typically range:
£35,000 – £90,000+ depending on size, complexity, foundations, steelwork, glazing and plumbing.
Winner: Garden Office for affordability.
2. Time & Disruption
Garden Office
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- Built outside the house
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- Little to no disruption to daily life
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- Most complete within 2–4 weeks
Extension
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- Works take place inside or attached to your home
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- Creates noise, dust and temporary disruption
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- Often 8–14 weeks depending on size
Winner: Garden Office for speed and minimal disruption.
3. Planning Permission in Maidstone
Garden Office
Most garden rooms don’t require planning permission if they fall under permitted development.
This includes limits on:
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- Height
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- Distance from boundaries
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- Intended use
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- Roof type
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- Whether it includes sleeping accommodation (not allowed under PD)
Extension
Many rear and side extensions also fall under permitted development, but double-storey or wraparound extensions typically require full planning approval.
Winner: Garden Office (simpler and quicker).
Garden Office
4. Space & Flexibility
Adds usable space without affecting your main footprint.
Great if you want:
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- A separate workspace
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- A peaceful retreat
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- A multifunctional hobby room
Extension
Offers integrated living space with seamless access and practical year-round usability.
Ideal for:
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- Expanding your kitchen
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- Creating open-plan areas
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- Adding bedrooms or bathrooms
Winner: Both — depending on your goal.
5. Property Value Impact
Garden Office
Extension
Adds appeal and functional versatility, especially for remote workers.
Can increase property value by 5–10%.
Typically offers larger increases in usable square footage.
Can increase value by 10–20%+ depending on size and finish.
Winner: Extension for long-term property value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a Garden Office if you want:
✔ A cost-effective way to add space
✔ A private, separate workspace
✔ Minimal disruption
✔ Fast construction
✔ No major internal changes
Choose a Home Extension if you need:
✔ Larger, integrated living space
✔ Open-plan kitchen/dining layouts
✔ Additional bedrooms or bathrooms
✔ Bigger long-term value increases
✔ A full redesign of your home’s layout
Both are excellent options — the right one depends on your lifestyle, your property and your budget.
Working Across Maidstone & Surrounding Areas
We design and build both garden rooms and home extensions across:
Maidstone • Bearsted • Allington • Aylesford • Loose • Penenden Heath • Downswood • Ditton • Barming • Tovil • East Farleigh and surrounding villages.