Project log - New outbuilding / home gym build

Associate
Joined
16 Nov 2007
Posts
811
Just thought I’d start a project log in here covering the construction of a new outbuilding in my garden, it’s primary purpose will be for a gym but the intention is to make the building of habitable construction so that in the future it can be converted into a man-cave, cinema, office or similar.

This is the first time I’ve done anything like this so all advice / suggested pitfalls to be wary of etc are appreciated.

I’m intending to go with a building somewhere in the region of 30sqm, rectangular in shape to follow the angle of the fence and minimise on encroaching into the main “body” of the garden. The Architect is booked to come and start the surveying work in 2 weeks time, hoping I can get it agreed as a “class 6” exempt structure which I’m hoping will mean I only need to worry about planning permission and not building regs. Either way, I’m not expecting issues with either, the building is on a boundary with public land (as opposed to a neighbour) and there are other similar constructions on the street.

Expecting to have to go with a piled foundation as other extensions on the street have had to, it’s old mining land, soft ground etc.

The aspiration is to have this as a single storey building, dual pitched roof with the loft as storage space, electricity supply with Ethernet runs from the main house but no water or gas. Climate control to be provided by a wall mounted air con unit (heating & cooling). UPVC soffits, French door / window for entry, alarmed.

Expected budget is £40k to 50k including gym equipment. Should have enough funding for the building sorted by next month, gym equipment will be worried about thereafter. Hoping for project completion by August.

Phase 1 of the project has commenced, cleared the proposed area of trees & bushes. Tree stump removal to take place next week.

Before / after shots below. The area pegged out represents approx 3.5m x 7m. Think I'll be ending up with something like 4m x 7.5m but I've not started properly calculating floor space requirements for equipment yet.



 
Last edited:
With such a large budget, I can't help thinking it would be better to extend the existing building, if there is space available to do so?

It seems like a very expensive option to create a home gym.
 
With such a large budget, I can't help thinking it would be better to extend the existing building, if there is space available to do so?

It seems like a very expensive option to create a home gym.

I know what you mean. Extensions are off the cards though, cannot build to the side due to conflict with a buried sewer (utility company refused a build-over / no diversion option). The rear has it's own problems too.

The garden is pretty vast and this is just wasted / messy space so figured I'd run with it. Naturally it can be used for anything in the future so I see it as a sound investment although as you say it's a large initial outlay.

Mike
 
How much, what are you building it out off.
However subscribed.

Still at planning stage, architect round in 2 weeks or so to start getting the details sorted but at the moment I'm planning to get it brick built, outer brick>insulation filled cavity>inner brick>plasterboard. Dual pitch / tiled roof.
 
good luck - but £50k seems a massive overspend on a build of that size.

It's nothing unusual/fancy in terms of building/materials (brick/titles/UPVC windows etc) - I think half your costs should be more than enough to cover it. £50k for a 4m x 7m single story "outbuilding" is mental!!

No water or gas either should keep the costs down significantly.

Have you had any ballpark quotes from builders etc now that you have the plans?

As I say - best of luck - looks great but don't get ripped off!!!
 
Hi there

No I've not had builders around yet as I've only just got the plans etc but my 40 > 50k ballpark figure was based on a few websites that indicated you should budget around £1500/sqm for a "exceptional quality" finish (£45k) which obviously excludes gym equipment, flooring, final decorating and equipment such as an alarm, discrete stereo / SONOS etc. Also, as it's detached, the builders & electrician will need to dig up part of my paved patio along with cutting in a buried channel to the building (approx 20m long channel) to bury the power supply cable, that'll naturally make it more complex than a standard extension.

It's great to hear you think it should be less than my upper limit estimate. That'll give me more cash for the gym kit, flooring & ancillary equipment.

Now I have the plans, I'll be getting 3x builders around in the coming weeks so I can start comparing quotes. If the planning application goes well, I should have the authority to proceed by July.

Thank you

Mike
 
Does it need to be that good for its intended purpose though?

that's what I mean - the finish could be plasterboard/skimmed/painted - done. It's going to be bashed about/scrapped etc if used as a gym

Windows and doors - order them yourself and get someone to fit them is usually the cheapest way (builders will add their profit to these types of items)

I'd be amazed if it's as expensive as £1500 a m sq. but I guess it depends where in the Uk you are.

If you have plans - builders will give you an estimate from them, no need to wait for planning permission at this stage. Try and get a recommendation from friend/neighbours/local trade places etc.

Check payment terms - don't offer up too much at the outset. Last time I did stuff like this was third at outset/third once watertight and third when building warrant/final inspection was passed. (one cheeky builder wanted 50% up front and 50% when watertight!!)

Good luck but don't be scared to question the prices your given and negotiate a better figure.
 
Last edited:
Thank you for your replies.

I do agree that an exceptional quality finish isn't necessarily needed for the initially indented purpose. To be clear though I've just used the £1500/sqm as an upper limit guide for "safe side" financial planning prior to commencement. .

As mentioned above, there are some site specific issues that are likely to bump up the total price such as the electric supply hassle I mentioned along with the fact I've designed it with tall ceilings (2.7m) to fit in a power cage.

I did actually look at a studio / log cabin type construction initially. This was discounted though as the typical "off the shelf" examples were all designed to meet planning exemption criteria (couldn't get a 2.7m tall ceiling for example). Additionally, I was wary about impact on the floor from dropped weights etc. I want this to have as much longevity as possible (beyond retirement) so I can convert it into other purposes at a later date if necessary. A gym is only this building's initial purpose. Everything pointed to doing this project in bricks & concrete.

I like what you have done with your studio GW1970, looks very nice and full of light. I will look at the place you recommend.

Thank you

Mike
 
Last edited:
I can't praise booths enough from a communication point they were great in dealing with my tweaks to the specification to the point they sent me their price matrix so I could get it within my budget - mine came in at £15k
 
Don't forget when they have trench dug for electric drop a decent duct in just in case - also a water pipe -just in case. Cheap now and will save a headache if you decide in future. - You can leave them up wall or take then in.

Dave
 
Don't forget when they have trench dug for electric drop a decent duct in just in case - also a water pipe -just in case. Cheap now and will save a headache if you decide in future. - You can leave them up wall or take then in.

Dave

Definitely do this. I put water and two electrical ducts in when I wanted only electricity. The water is initially used for a hose pipe stand and the electricity supplies the workshop and a spare conduit is available to run ethernet, telephone or whatever in the future.
 
I think erring on the side of caution is a good thing here with your cost estimate. Groundworks are expensive and piles/groundbeams aint cheap.
Good luck with the build, subscribing ;)
 
Back
Top Bottom