Checked 10 November 2026 against the Planning Portal outbuilding guidance. If you want a garden bar open for the first warm evenings of 2027, winter is the time to plan it. Planning checks, quotes, deliveries and electricians all take longer than people expect, and the jobs that need dry, mild weather, like pouring a base, cannot easily be rushed in March.
November and December: decide what you are building
Start with the questions that shape everything else.
- Buy, convert or build? Our build vs buy guide compares the routes.
- What size and where? Mark the footprint on the ground with string and stand in it. See bar shed sizes and the layout checker.
- Does it need permission? Walk through the planning checker for England, then read the Planning Portal outbuildings guidance. Height, position near boundaries and use all matter. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Any restrictions on the property? Leasehold terms, covenants and listed status can all apply. See covenants and leasehold.
If anything is unclear, ask the council before you order. A planning question is much cheaper to answer in December than after the building arrives.
December and January: get quotes and build the budget
Use the budget planner to list every element, from the building and base to power, lighting, fridge and fit-out, then fill in real quotes. We do not publish prices; the planner works with the figures you enter.
- Get at least two quotes for any trade work.
- Ask suppliers about delivery lead times and access. See delivery and assembly.
- Check whether the base the maker requires is included.
- Add a contingency line for things you find once work starts.
January: book the electrician
If you want power, book a qualified electrician early. Outdoor circuits need suitable protection, and some electrical work in England must meet Part P of the Building Regulations; Approved Document P explains which work is notifiable. A registered electrician can confirm what is needed and certify it. Ask them to visit before the base goes in, so any cable duct can be laid at the right time. Our power guide explains the options, and the festoon light planner helps you plan lighting runs to discuss with them.
February: prepare the base
The base is the foundation of the project in every sense. Use the base calculator to estimate materials, and read garden bar bases for the options.
Concrete, mortar and some adhesives have minimum working temperatures; check the product instructions and the forecast. Avoid pouring concrete when frost is likely unless the product and method allow for it. A timber frame or plastic grid base can be less sensitive to cold. If the ground is sloping, see building on a slope.
March: build or install
With the base cured and the electrician booked, March and April can be for building, treating timber and fitting out. Check the building regulations guide if the building is large or near a boundary.
The planner at a glance
| Month | Main job |
|---|---|
| November-December | Decide size, route and permissions |
| December-January | Quotes and budget |
| January | Book the electrician |
| February | Base and ducting |
| March-April | Build, treat and fit out |
Use the project checklist to track each step. Tonight, mark out the footprint with string and some pegs and see how it feels from the house.
Quick answers
When should I start planning a spring garden bar build?
Now. Winter gives time for planning checks, quotes and booking trades before the spring rush. Use the project checklist.
Can I lay a concrete base in winter?
Check the product instructions for minimum temperatures and avoid pouring when frost is likely. See garden bar bases.
Do I need planning permission for a garden bar?
Many outbuildings fall within permitted development in England, but limits on size, height, position and use apply. Use the planning checker and read planning permission.
Sources
Primary guidance checked 10 November 2026.