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.


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.


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