What is a garden annexe?

A garden annexe is a single-storey building in the garden with its own living space, bathroom and often a kitchenette, used by relatives, older children or guests. Unlike a garden room, it is built as habitable accommodation with foundations, insulation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Irlam?
In Irlam, a garden annexe typically costs £1,700–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £59,500–£93,000. Prices across the North West are typically 6% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Irlam. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £41,000–£63,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £59,500–£93,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £83,500–£130,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,650 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
- Access for materials
- Cladding and finishes
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Irlam?
Approvals for a garden annexe in Irlam follow the rules for England. In England an annexe used as living accommodation usually needs planning permission. Outbuildings built under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not a bedroom.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Planning drawings and application
- Insulated walls and roof
- Electrics and heating
- Glazed doors and windows
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Foundations and drainage connections
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Irlam
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Projects in Irlam (M44) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Irlam
How long does a garden annexe take in Irlam?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
Does a garden annexe need planning permission?
Usually yes if it is used as living accommodation. Outbuildings under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not bedrooms.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Irlam?
In Irlam, a garden annexe typically costs £1,700–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £59,500–£93,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
