Deirdre O Meara 
As the weather gets warmer, many of us are looking to prepare our gardens for the summer months. However, the cost of transforming a garden can be expensive, especially if you seek professional help. This is what Peterborough-based Ben Rogers discovered when he attempted to give his decaying garden patio a new lease of life.
Ben, 33, was tired of his overgrown space cracking but didn’t have the money to pay for a patio installer. Instead, he turned to YouTube for inspiration and decided to take on the project himself, resulting in a massive saving of £7,000. The project, which took around six weeks to complete, included excavating the ground, laying slate paving slabs, and building a decorative wall bordering the patio and garden.
Ben purchased all the materials and equipment for around £3,000 and decided on the design, the materials he would need, and worked out the time required for the project. He even added a strip of blue lighting to the back garden, inspired by Philips Hue. Ben bought two 5-metre light strips and attached them to the underside of the slate coping stones, creating a modern and stylish look.
Speaking to My Local Toolbox, Ben advised those who want to follow in his footsteps, “Make sure you can acquire all the materials before starting and order them immediately, so no unexpected changes need to be made mid-project with materials not being available due to high demand or shipping issues.”
If Ben had employed a tradesperson to transform this 38 square metre space, it would have set him back around £8 -10,000. However, as Ben did all the labour himself, the impressive outdoor patio cost him approximately £3,000.
Taking on a DIY project like this can seem daunting, but with the right research and preparation, it can be a great way to save money and create a space that is unique to you. It’s important to remember to take safety precautions and seek professional help if necessary when working with heavy equipment or if you’re unsure about any aspect of the project.
In the end, Ben’s hard work paid off, and he now has a beautiful outdoor patio that he can enjoy all summer long. So, if you’re looking to transform your garden this year, consider taking on the project yourself and see the savings for yourself.
