Tekenpunt / Renovations / Outbuilding / garden shed
▲ Renovation type · Outbuilding / garden shed PLAN N°BIJ-2026 / SCALE 1:50 / 06.2026

Outbuilding and garden room drawings across the Netherlands

A detached shed, garden room or garden office in your garden. In the rear garden area this is often permit-free. We make the permit-ready drawing from €549 incl. VAT, directly usable for the contractor or the permit application. We plan delivery by arrangement.

€549
Starting price
Permit-ready drawing (incl. VAT)
0€
Permit
Often permitted in rear garden area
Fast
Delivery time
Rush for a surcharge
930
Projects
Including dozens of outbuildings
§01 What is the

What is a detached outbuilding?

A detached outbuilding is a freestanding shed, garden room or garden office that stands apart from the house in the garden. In the rear garden area this is often permit-free. Tekenpunt delivers the permit-ready drawing from €549 incl. VAT. We plan delivery by arrangement; rush is available for a surcharge. You follow your entire application live in your own online file, from quote to delivery.

An outbuilding stands separately from the house in the garden: a storage unit, garden room, home office or shed. These are the components we draw and check against the permit-free rules.

3000mm 1 2 3 4 5 6
  • 1
    Roof (flat or pitched)

    For a permit-free outbuilding the maximum building height is 3 m with a flat roof. With a pitched roof up to a maximum of 5 m. We draw what is permitted and fits the plot.

  • 2
    Wall construction (timber, HSB or masonry)

    Timber frame construction (HSB) is fast and flexible. Masonry is better suited to a brick home. For a habitable room we recommend extra wall insulation (Rc ≥ 3.5).

  • 3
    Frames, door and windows

    Custom solutions for light and ventilation. For a garden office or garden room we recommend tilt-and-turn windows and solid glazing for year-round comfort.

  • 4
    Insulation (for habitable space)

    An unheated storage room has no insulation requirement. A garden room or outdoor office requires insulation in the roof, walls and floor to be comfortable year-round.

  • 5
    Foundation: concrete floor or piles

    On stable ground a concrete floor on sand (mass concrete) or prefab concrete slabs suffices. On soft ground or for a larger outbuilding, pad foundations or piles are advisable.

  • 6
    Utility connections (optional)

    Electricity for lighting and sockets is the most frequently requested connection. Water and drainage are technically feasible but require additional work and sometimes a notification to the water authority.

§02 Quick check

Do you need a building permit?

Four questions, about 30 seconds. No obligation.

1
Where in the garden will the outbuilding be placed?
2
Is your property a (national) listed building?
3
How large do you want the outbuilding to be?
4
What will you use it for?
✓ Good news: probably permit-free

An outbuilding in the rear garden area of a non-listed property is often permit-exempt if you stay within the permitted coverage percentage and maximum building height. We produce the drawing that complies with the regulations. From €549 incl. VAT. Request a no-obligation quote for your exact plot.

§03 Costs

Calculate your outbuilding price

Indicative calculator. The drawing is a fixed price; the construction is carried out separately by a contractor or self-builder.

Your situation

What you pay with us

Lines excl. VAT

  • Construction drawing outbuilding€453.72
  • Selected add-ons€0
  • Rush (surcharge)€0
Total incl. VAT €549
Request a quote for this price →
The build itself is then handled by a contractor (not by us):
Estimated construction costs± €18,000

* We handle design and (if required) the building permit. Construction is carried out separately by a contractor; that figure is an estimate based on approximately €1,500 per m². Request a quote for the exact drawing costs.

Amounts shown are incl. VAT (consumer price); the amount below the total is the amount without VAT. Your personal quote always shows the exact total price.

§04 Packages

Choose your package

Every package includes the drawing. Add structural calculation or the full permit route.

Drawing

from €549 incl. VAT
  • Existing + new floor plans, elevations, relevant sections and site plan to scale
  • PDF + DWG files, suitable for the municipality and your contractor
  • Fixed price upfront, no cost surprises

Not included

  • Structural calculation
  • Submitted to the municipality
  • 3D visualisation
Request this package →

Drawing + structural calculation

from €1,098 incl. VAT
  • Everything in Drawing
  • Load schedule per Eurocode, member/support sizing, checked against the Bbl building code
  • Signed off by our own structural engineer, internally checked before release

Not included

  • Submitted to the municipality
  • 3D visualisation
Request this package →
  • Our own structural engineers and drafters work per Eurocode and check against the Bbl building code; every drawing and calculation is reviewed internally by our checkers before release.
  • 930 projects since 2016, and 90% clears the aesthetics review (welstand) on the first pass — meaning: no design change needed after the municipality's first assessment.
  • 4.9 out of 33 reviews for this type of renovation (46 projects since 2016).
§05 Three variants

Which outbuilding suits your garden?

From a simple storage shed to a fully fitted home office or pool house. We advise on what suits your plot and intended use.

Insulated garden room / outdoor office

Comfortable habitable space with insulation, electric heating and large windows. Ideal as a home office, hobby room or relaxation space. Liveable all year round.

  • PermitUsually exempt
  • Surface area10-30 m²
  • Lead timeOn quote
Price on quote

Luxury pool house / guest accommodation

A high-quality outbuilding with premium finish, covered terrace and full installations. Suitable as a guest room, fitness room or wellness space. A permit is often advisable.

  • PermitDepends
  • Surface area20-50 m²
  • Lead timeOn quote
Price on quote
§06 Comparison

Outbuilding vs alternatives

A detached outbuilding stands apart from the house and is often permit-free in the rear garden area. Here is how it relates to a conservatory and a garage conversion.

Outbuilding (detached)

  • Design from €549 incl. VAT
  • Often permit-free (rear garden area)
  • 6-50 m², fully flexible layout
  • Delivery planned by arrangement
  • Detached from the home, no structural connection

Conservatory (attached)

  • Design from €949 incl. VAT
  • Permit subject to situation
  • Extension of the living room
  • Structurally connected to the home
  • More limited in terms of insulation value

Garage conversion

  • Design from €549 incl. VAT
  • Permit almost always required
  • Existing space utilised
  • Less demolition work than an extension
  • Depending on the existing condition of the garage
§07 Rules per situation

What is permitted in your situation?

The Building Decree rules are the same nationwide, but plot size, location and listed-building status determine whether you need a permit. A few typical situations.

Site plan
Use
Permit
Price
Please note
Rear plot area, not a listed building
Storage room
Free
On quote
Usually exempt
Rear plot area, garden room
Living space
Free
On quote
Insulation required
Large plot, poolhouse 40 m²
Living space
Depends
On quote
Check building coverage ratio
Front or side plot visible from street
Storage
Required
On quote
Permit required
Listed building / historic plot
Custom work
Required
On quote
Committee involvement
§08 Case study

Example project: garden office in Soest

CASE · SOEST · 03.2026

Garden room as outdoor office, 18 m²

Example project · detached outbuilding · permit-free · outdoor office

18 m² office
0 permit
Fixed price our design
Fast drawing

Challenge: An entrepreneur in Soest had been working from home structurally since the pandemic but had no suitable space. The study was overflowing and the children were a distraction. The wish: a fully equipped home office in the back garden, comfortable and well insulated all year round.

Our approach: We designed an 18 m² timber outbuilding (timber-frame construction) in the rear garden area of a 520 m² plot. Check against the Building Environment Decree rules: less than 50% built coverage, building height 3 m (flat roof), no listed building status. No permit required. We delivered a complete drawing including insulation details and electrical layout, allowing the contractor to start immediately.

Result: A fully detached workspace 12 metres from the back door. Certified insulation (Rc 4.5 roof and walls), two large north-facing windows for glare-free daylight and fibre optic laid through the garden. Drawing planned by arrangement; construction completed after 6 weeks.

§09 Additional info

Permit-free, usage & insulation

A detached outbuilding offers a lot of freedom but also has limits. What you need to know before you start.

Permit-free?

In the rear plot area, non-listed building, flat roof up to 3 m high and coverage below the threshold: an outbuilding is almost always permit-free. For a listed building or on the front plot, a permit is always required. We assess your plot free of charge.

SOURCE · BBL / ENVIRONMENT ACT 2026

Insulation for habitable space

An unheated storage shed has no insulation requirement. If you want to use the outbuilding as a garden room or outdoor office, the Building Code recommends at least Rc 3.5 in walls, roof and floor for a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.

ADVICE · Rc ≥ 3.5 living space

Working from home or living?

Working in an outbuilding (home office, studio) is always permitted as long as there are no business visitors. Permanent habitation is only allowed if the zoning plan explicitly permits it, which is rarely the case for a standard residential plot.

SOURCE · Environment Act + zoning plan
§10 Frequently asked questions

FAQ about outbuildings and garden rooms

Q01Do I need a permit for an outbuilding or garden shed?

Often not. A detached outbuilding in the rear garden area is permit-free if it meets the rules of the Building Environment Decree (BBL): at most 50% built coverage in the rear garden area, maximum building height of 3 m for a flat roof or 5 m for a pitched roof, and no listed building status. We check it free of charge for your plot.

Q02What does an outbuilding drawing cost?

A permit-ready outbuilding drawing costs from €549 incl. VAT. The price depends on the footprint, the intended use and any extras such as a building permit application, 3D visualisation or structural calculation. The construction itself (by a contractor) typically ranges from €10,000 to €45,000 depending on type and finish.

Q03How large may a permit-free outbuilding be?

In the rear garden zone you may build permit-free up to a maximum of 50% coverage of that plot section, with a maximum height of 3 m (flat roof) or 5 m (pitched/hipped roof). If you want more than 150 m² of outbuildings or your plot is smaller than 300 m², we check the specific limits for your situation.

Q04Can I live or work in an outbuilding?

Using the space as a home office or studio is almost always permitted, as long as there is no regular client traffic. Permanent residential use is only allowed if the zoning plan permits it, which is rarely the case on a standard residential plot. A garden room or outdoor office for personal use is normally no problem at all.

Q05How long does it take to have an outbuilding drawn up?

We plan the drawing by arrangement; rush is available for a surcharge. If an environmental permit is needed, allow 8 weeks for the municipal decision period. We handle everything from design to permit application.

Q06Do you work across the Netherlands?

Yes. We draw outbuildings and garden sheds across the Netherlands. We do the drawing work remotely; any permit is submitted to your municipality. We know or check the local plot and aesthetic rules for every project.

◆ Bijgebouw / tuinhuis in de praktijk

46 outbuilding / garden house projects since 2016

33 clients rated their outbuilding / garden house project with an average of 4,8 out of 5 stars. A few of their comments:

LB
Lisa de B.Maastricht · Bijgebouw
★★★★★

We wanted to build an outbuilding in Maastricht. Tekenpunt guided us well from start to finish, and we could get straight to work with the contractor.

Outbuilding / garden shed
FB
Fam. B.Amersfoort · Bijgebouw
★★★★★

Very professional firm. The construction drawings for our outbuilding were highly detailed. Exactly what we were looking for, and the contractor could get straight to work.

Outbuilding / garden shed
SM
Sophie M.Amsterdam · Bijgebouw
★★★★★

Great help with the permit application for the outbuilding. The municipality of Amsterdam had a few questions about the aesthetic review, but they were resolved quickly.

Outbuilding / garden shed
LD
Lotte D.Haarlem · Bijgebouw
★★★★

Beautiful construction drawings for the outbuilding. A good firm, especially if you want the costs to be clear. The municipality of Haarlem was satisfied too.

Outbuilding / garden shed

View all reviews →

§12 Plan your outbuilding

Start your outbuilding today

A fixed-price quote as soon as possible. Free check whether your outbuilding is permit-free. No obligation.

Last updated: October 2026