Overview

• The pair bought the barn conversion for £715,000 in August 2024, saved for six months, then began renovations in March 2025.
• They report spending about £39,140–£40,000 after roughly six months of evenings-and-weekends work, with only minor finishing jobs remaining.
• Tradespeople were hired individually for specific jobs, including removal of a 5.5m wall, an electrical board upgrade and plumbing for a smart heating system.
• Cost-saving choices included installing £11,500 pre-assembled DIY Kitchens units themselves and using an oak beam instead of a steel beam.
• They cite DIY savings on bespoke features such as £400 living-room alcove units versus a £4,300 quote, a £500 archway versus £1,000, about £650 saved on the pantry, and they expect the property could reach about £885,000 within two years.