The glorious weather means our gardens and outdoor spaces are coming into their own this summer. But what if yours is looking a bit drab and unloved? Sally Conway offers some affordable ways to smarten it up

As the UK embraces this latest heatwave, some of you may be considering a revamp of your outdoor space to enable you to enjoy the sunshine.

From small fixes to big projects, UK homeowners love getting stuck into DIY jobs around their homes – especially at this time of year.

However, new research from Shawbrook Bank revealed tackling the garden is one of the tasks we’re notorious for leaving unfinished – despite the fact many of us also want to get our gardens into good shape.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK homeowners, one in three of us are guilty of embarking our garden makeover only to abandon it, half done, further down the line.

And while many of us have incomplete jobs around the home, nearly one in five (18%) aren’t finished due to a lack of funds.

So, to help out, I’ve come up with five ideas to help you get the most out of your garden this summer whilst also staying within budget. 

Paint doesn’t just transform the inside of your home – it can do wonders outdoors too.

It’s far cheaper than building or buying something new and a new colour can really alter how you view your garden. Ultimately, it’s a cost-effective way of giving an outdoor space a new lease of life.

Before you start painting, make sure you’ve prepared your surfaces properly. Opting for a neutral or darker colour can help to give a clean finish and maybe even the illusion of a bigger space. But make sure you keep your paint topped up every few years to keep the fence in top condition.

Check your choice of colour will last all year too. That way, you can save your money on repainting again at the first sign of a new season.

Fancy tiles, creative brickwork, plants and some subtle lighting could turn an unloved screed of concrete into a beautiful patio that can truly be an extension of your home.

If you have patio, decking or tiles already installed, a bit of scrubbing could really bring them back to life without needing to replace them. Hire a pressure washer if you need a quick fix solution.

Add some cover and a portable heater for the chillier days and you can create a space to be enjoyed year-round.

If you are buying new, shop around for a good deal by keeping an eye on any savings at retail warehouses.

Once you’ve got your fences and tiles sorted, tidying any grass space will help create a finished look in the space. Make sure you remove any weeds and prune any shrubs that need a spruce.

By doing this, you’ll also be able to see if there are any glaring gaps and you can make a plan on what you’d like to plant in its place. If you have room for it, adding a splash of colour with paint can really elevate a space.

Another way to make your money go further is by taking time to plan the types of flowers and grass to use. Artificial plants and grass have come a long way and could add longevity to your outdoor space – particularly if you’re time poor and unable to easily keep up with the maintenance.

Another way of revamping your existing space is with new garden furniture. From a simple table and chair set to comfy zero-gravity lawn chairs, you could easily smarten up your outdoor space.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on furniture to achieve a new look. There is an abundance of DIY tutorials available online that can help you carry out your own upcycling project.

You may even wish to consider buying second hand from eBay or Facebook Marketplace where there are some great deals to be had.

One of the best ways to get the most out of your garden is to plan what you want to achieve. You need to be clear on how you’re going to finance it, whether it’s through your savings, a personal loan or any other method. Look for inspiration and create a clear idea of what your priorities are.

Some ideas can be costly so it’s important to work out your budget and how you can achieve your desired look beforehand. This helps you to take time to source budget-friendly options and helps to avoid forgotten details along the way.

If your garden plans involve a full-scale renovation, you’ll need to consider additional investment and if you’ll need any assistance from specialist tradesmen.

It’s important to have a full budget and plan in place before starting anything so you know how much you have to spend. There’s lots of garden ideas online and plenty of options to help you to finance your exciting project. It’s a good opportunity to review your financial situation and consider the best way of financing your garden ambitions.

While budgeting and financing renovations can often feel like a bit of a maze, Shawbrook has plenty of guides to help you navigate the process including DIY ideas and tips for making sure your DIY goes off without a hitch.

Sally Conway is head of customer communications at Shawbrook Bank Personal Loans

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