Single Mother Of Two Reveals Stunning Results Of £4,000 Renovation She Carried Out Herself

A single mother disclosed how she changed her home over lockdown for just £ 4,000 while balancing jobs, learning part-time, and caring for her two kids. In February 2020, Chloe Tolmie, 25, of Blackburn, Lancashire, moved to the property with her twins, Oliver, five, and Olivia, four, and began renovations in July.

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In a matter of a few months, Chloe, a support worker, totally renovated the three-bedroom house, added a new kitchen, and gave the bedrooms and living space a new lease of life. Although still keeping up with tasks for her university nursing course, the DIY newbie did much of the job herself.

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She worked as many hours as possible to get everything done  

Chloe said: 'I moved into the property in February 2020 but started the renovations in July that year.

'The house was £95,000 and I got it on a Rent-To-Buy scheme. It's three bedrooms and two bathrooms along with a separate toilet. I worked as many hours as I possibly could to afford to get everything done.'   

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According to her, the process was challenging

She agreed that the process of renovation was challenging and the family was originally forced to live off microwave meals.

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In the beginning, they also had to share a bed, before Chloe received a grant from the council for new mattresses.

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The cost of the renovations was just £4,000 including all the items

The entire renovation cost just £4,000, including furniture, while the mother wanted to keep it as cheap as possible, purchasing lots of second-hand items.

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She had done all the major stuff without the support of anyone

She said: 'I got my sofas on finance, and I got a grant for new mattresses from the council.  I did everything on my own, with no help at all apart from the kids helping pick wallpaper stripping up.' 

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During renovations, Chloe also had the additional burden of a cancer scare, as she awaited the results of a biopsy, which left her feeling stressed out.

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Her recent biopsy for cervical cancer came back, and it was non-cancerous

She said: 'My recent biopsy for cervical cancer came back, and it was non-cancerous, thank God, so throughout some of the renovations, I had that playing on my mind.' 

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She was really proud of herself

Chloe is proud of herself to be able to finish the renovations between being a full-time mum, learning, and working - and without any DIY experience.

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Despite her busy schedule, the mother fitted a new kitchen as well as renovating most of the house

She said: 'I feel so proud of myself to say I had never even put a piece of wallpaper up before moving into this property. 

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She had balanced all the things quite well

'And on top of that, I had assignments due in for university, and work and homeschooling.

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She was very happy for their children to have their own space now

'I feel so happy it's all over, and I am just glad I can live a happy life with my children in our forever home.' 

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The room looks totally different from how it did before Chloe started the work

She added: 'They have always shared a room until we moved in here and now they have their own space and love everything they have got.'

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