UK single mum saves £12K (Dh59,817) on garden makeover with help from ChatGPT

Dubai: When single mom Holly Metcalfe received a jaw-dropping quote of £13,000 (Dh64,823) to renovate her backyard, she didn’t back down—she powered up. With a bit of grit, Google, and guidance from ChatGPT, she took on the transformation herself, completing the entire garden makeover for just £1,127. The result? A stunning outdoor haven—and a boost in confidence money can’t buy.

“I’ve always been quite headstrong when I get an idea,” Metcalfe told What’s the Jam. Based in Whitley Bay, a charming seaside town in northeast England. “I wanted to prove to myself—and to my kids—that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.” So instead of hiring costly contractors, she turned to ChatGPT for help.

With a £13,000 estimate hanging over her head for paving, paint, furniture, and installation, Metcalfe made a bold choice: she turned to ChatGPT for step-by-step guidance on everything from landscaping layout to materials selection.

“I started asking ChatGPT how to paint outdoor slabs, which tools I needed, and how to build a shed. It helped me feel like I wasn’t doing it alone,” Holly said.

She pieced together her plan using advice from ChatGPT, shopping smart on Amazon and B&Q, and rolling up her sleeves to get to work—literally.

Metcalfe kicked things off with back-breaking labor, lifting old stones and prepping the earth for turf. She pressure-washed and painted old paving slabs, built her own shed, and hunted down affordable yet high-quality turf, paint, and furnishings.

The toughest parts? Turning rock-hard soil and lugging rolls of heavy turf. “There were moments where I nearly gave up,” she admitted. “But I kept going—I set small deadlines to push myself through.”

With a little help from her dad and teenage son for the heavy lifting, Holly handled almost everything solo—after school runs, during lunch breaks, and on weekends.

The final result is more than just a pretty garden—it’s a testament to determination.

“The sense of achievement I’ve gained from doing this has left me feeling so empowered,” Metcalfe shared. “The kids are really proud, and we’re spending so much more time outside together now.”

Her garden is now a cozy space filled with charm, light, and warmth—proof that sometimes, the best renovations aren’t just about bricks and turf, but resilience and creativity.

Metcalfe's now adding final touches—plants, lighting, and decor—and already has her sights set on the next DIY challenge.

For anyone dreaming of a garden upgrade without the sky-high cost, Metcalfe's story is proof that with creativity, tools like ChatGPT, and a bit of elbow grease, you really can do it yourself—and love every step (and scrape) of the process.