Our Summer House DIY Adventure So Far

Building a summer house isn't just about creating a space to unwind; it has been an incredible journey so far, filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of reflection. With just a dream and a DIY spirit, we have embarked on this journey, and it is already feeling like an adventure we will never forget.....In a good way!

The Vision

The dream of a summer house has always danced on our minds. We have always imagined a cosy area where we could escape the noise of everyday life, sipping coffee and getting lost in our own thoughts. What we have pictured is a small yet inviting space, with a large door area, and nice large windows to be able let in the sun, and somewhere to enjoy sunsets and watch our grandchildren play.

Envisioning the final product excites us, but the planning phase proved more complex than we anticipated. We spent numerous evenings researching online, creating design ideas, and jotting down plans in a notebook that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. But we persevered and now have our final plans.......yaay!

Budgeting And Planning

With our vision firmly in mind, we quickly realised the need to refine our budget. Building a summer house is a significant investment, and we had to prioritise spending without giving up on the charm we had pictured. We created a spreadsheet detailing potential costs, including materials and tools.

Through our research, we discovered that we could potentially build the summer house ourselves. And as scary as it sounded we gave it serious thought. We then chatted and planned some more with this in mind. We discovered that it would not only be more budget-friendly, but it would also add unique character and style to the summer house.

Clearing The Area Ready for Our Summer House DIY Adventure

With our plans and budget in place, the next step was to finally roll up our sleeves and get started.

The first big task was clearing the area, which involved removing a huge conifer tree, and leveling the ground. We took advantage of the beautiful weather, enjoying the sun while digging out stubborn shrubs, huge tree stumps and roots. The area was then covered and left for a while for the roots to die off.

As we dug away using our shovels and spades, witnessing the space slowly transforming, we felt empowered. Prep-work for this summer house was more labour-intensive than I had certainly anticipated, but every bead of sweat was bringing the dream closer to reality.

Old Shed Base And Tree Stump Removal

Foundation prep-work was then needing to be done. In our plans we had planned to use the old concrete base which our shed was sat on. For this we enlisted the help of our son's - nothing solidifies family like a DIY project right?

Together, we all had to move the shed as it is still currently being used. We then took turns on the concrete breaker we had borrowed from a friend, in a bid to keep costs to a minimum. Once the old concrete base was then broken this was then used to give us a head-start on the new base needed for the summer house.

The laughter and shared mistakes during this project so far has most certainly made the hard work more enjoyable.

Initially, We personally thought digging and breaking up old concrete would be easy. However, we quickly learned that we could make a simple task harder, and our grandson very much enjoyed burying grandpas hand tools whilst he was at work.

A short TikTok clip of our grandson pranking grandpa on our DIY adventure.

We most certainly created our very own comical (yet frustrating) moments along the way. It hasn't been easy, but we have all motivated each other into keep going. Staying hydrated was a must.

Designing Of The Summer House

Now the fun part: planning the interior! The blank interior (once built) will be a canvas waiting to reflect our personality. We wish for a cosy relaxing atmosphere, using warm colours and soft textures.

We are currently working on colour schemes and designs, whilst hunting for unique finds. Colourful rugs, and charming decor is definitely going on the list.

Celebrating With Friends And Family

No adventure is complete without sharing it with friends. Once everything is finished and in place, we simply cannot wait to host a garden party. Having our loved ones join us in this personally built space will make it all the more special.

We are looking forward to gathering around the fire pit outside the summer house, laughing, reminiscing and reflecting on our journey. We are looking forward to continuing our journey and getting creative, whilst making lasting memories that will stay with us forever.

Reflections On The Journey So Far

Building our summer house once finished would have been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding adventures we have undertaken. This journey so far has taught us patience, perseverance, and the joy of creation. Most certainly a testament to hard work and creativity. Eventually a place to escape life's chaos!

A short TikTok video of our summer house prep so far

While this may be our journey so far for our summer house DIY adventure, we hope it inspires others to pursue similar adventures. Whether it's constructing a physical space or building a vision in your mind, the process can be deeply satisfying.

So gather your tools, unleash your imagination, and step into your own uncharted territory!

Next summer house update coming soon.

Happy planning x

OUR SHOP