Even in the event you’re practically on the finish of your construct, extension or renovation challenge there are all the time DIY jobs to tick off your checklist. The identical may be stated even in the event you assume you are totally completed. A tweak right here, a restore there and a fast burst of creativity can nonetheless make a distinction.
And with round 68% of buyers stating that kerb appeal matters in the case of buying a property, even in the event you aren’t promoting anytime quickly, a properly maintained dwelling will nonetheless assist to enhance the popularity of the housing inventory in your space – one thing that may profit you in the event you ever resolve to move to Plotfinder within the quest for a brand new challenge.
However with the strain of the clock all the time ticking by, what are you able to realistically obtain throughout an extended weekend?
Straightforward DIY tasks can take lower than a couple of hours
In accordance with current analysis from B&Q, lack of time is the explanation most tasks are deserted or delayed. Virtually 40% of Brits would begin a DIY challenge if that they had extra time, with a third (36%) of us stating we’ve not less than one unfinished challenge on the go.
The great new is, the roles on the high of the do checklist – portray or adorning partitions and ceilings (51%), gardening and backyard upkeep (43%), and ongoing restore and upkeep jobs (38%) – are all straightforward DIY tasks you may sort out over an extended weekend.
So get your on-line purchasing tabs open, your DIY equipment handy and allow us to assist you welcome in some weekend enhancements.
Out of doors & backyard DIY
1. Spring clear your backyard
In relation to the skin of your house, Kristian Goodenough, co-founder of The Bespoke Sign House, brings years of insights into front-of-house upgrades.
“The one factor on everybody’s checklist must be to provide some TLC to their backyard and provides it a spring clear,” he says. “This can assist your backyard come out of its winter hibernation whereas supplying you with a clear canvas to nurture your outside areas over the summer season whereas most significantly, having fun with the house.
“Rake leaves, sweep paths, trim grass and take away weeds,” suggests Kristian. “This freshens up the house and creates a tidy first impression. Wash and clear furnishings, chicken feeders, water options, and ornaments. Even just a little consideration makes your backyard really feel cared for and welcoming.”
Kristian Goodenough, co-founder of The Bespoke Signal Home , brings years of experience providing distinctive insights into property renovations particularly with outside enhancements and kerb enchantment. His expertise in crafting signage for residences has given him a eager eye for element and a deep understanding of how visible components on the outside of a house can considerably influence worth and total enchantment.
2. Construct planters to your backyard
Should you’re researching garden screening ideas prepared for the summer season months, take a leaf out of Homebuilding editor, Amy Willis‘ ebook and allocate time to construct some planters.
It is one of many many DIY jobs on her checklist for the financial institution vacation weekend and he or she explains why.
“I will be ending constructing a sleeper raised mattress round my driveway over the financial institution vacation as I am eager to get it completed earlier than planting season for hedging ends,” says Amy.
Planters are good for an unlimited variety of crops and for rising greens, so if backyard jobs are high of your checklist, get your gardening gloves on the prepared, learn how to build raised garden beds and you will see why it is thought-about a simple DIY challenge.
3. Go to your backyard centre and pull in some plant energy
Should you’ve already sorted your hedging and constructed planters, nonetheless head to your native backyard centre, says Kristian Goodenough.
“Spend money on vibrant, lowmaintenance bedding crops and strategically positioned potted shrubs. A splash of color makes your backyard really feel vibrant and alive, whereas well-placed crops add depth and dimension to the house.
“Give attention to native crops that appeal to pollinators like butterflies and bees for an additional contact of magnificence and eco-friendliness.
“A well-maintained backyard enhances the general kerb enchantment of your property,” explains Kristian, “whereas quite a lot of colors and crops give the impression of abundance, including worth to any dwelling.”
4. Paint your entrance door a brand new color
If first impressions matter to you, there is no higher place to begin than your entrance door. With sunshine in your aspect, whether or not you are painting a uPVC door or a picket door, check out our solutions for the best front door colours and prepare to inject some pleasure into your day.
Questioning can you paint a composite door? The excellent news is you may.
Including a contact of paint will breathe new life into any property,” says Kristian. “Home windows sills and doorways can be the precedence, and more likely to make the largest influence.”
5. Prep your patio now to make it clear and secure
Should you’ve been researching how to stop mould on outside walls and realised you’ve an issue with algae moderately than mould, you may possible have an analogous situation on patios which have been deserted over the winter months.
If so, it is time to spend money on a strain washer, resembling this Karcher K4 Power Control Pressure Washer from Amazon and following the directions, use it to breathe new life into your patio and partitions.
No strain washer? No downside. Discover out how to clean patio slabs and get them wanting new once more utilizing different tried and examined strategies.
6. Spend time now to get lucious garden outcomes later
Even when your funds does not permit for a full backyard panorama this yr, nurturing what you do have for a garden will nonetheless offer you some pleasure.
The excellent news is, March onwards is usually thought-about the best time to sew grass seed, making this weekend the proper time to reap what you sew in a while within the yr.
“Overseeding naked patches in your garden in spring is an effective way to thicken it up in time for summer season, when it actually issues,” says Homebuilding & Renovating’s deputy editor and gardening knowledgeable, Teresa Conway.
“You possibly can technically sow grass seed at any time of the yr so long as temperatures exceed 10C. However spring and autumn are extensively considered the very best occasions.
Teresa’s high strategies?
“Mow the garden first and take away particles from the floor. It doesn’t damage to aerate the floor earlier than making use of high quality high dressing. You possibly can combine seed into the highest dressing earlier than making use of in the event you choose,” she says. “Try to calculate round 25g of seed per sq. metre. So scale up or down as required.
“Rake them in flippantly and add a small quantity of water utilizing a delicate spray setting in your backyard hose, or watering can with a rose-head.”
Teresa was a part of a crew that launched Straightforward Gardens in 2018 and labored because the Editor on this journal. She has in depth expertise writing and enhancing content material on gardens and landscaping on manufacturers resembling Properties & Gardens, Nation Properties & Interiors and Dwelling And so on journal. She has developed shut working relationships with high panorama architects and main trade specialists, and has been uncovered to an array of wealthy content material and experience.
7. Get your storage organised
In case your storage is struggling an identification disaster and is predicted to fulfil the function of shed, present a house to your DIY equipment, doubles up as a motorcycle retailer and is mostly filled with all the things from decorations to outgrown scooters, now’s the proper time to seek out some garage storage ideas that be just right for you and get organising.
If the climate is okay, it is also a good suggestion to provide the roof examine. Should you do come throughout an issue, discover out your choices in the case of garage roof replacement costs.
8. Flip your leftover pallets into backyard furnishings or storage
Nothing beats the satisfaction of turning an merchandise destined for landfill into one thing extra purposeful.
Search pallet furniture ideas on Pinterest and you will find pages of concepts starting from potting shed tables to extra bold plans for seating areas.
To begin with one thing easy, contemplate dismantling a pallet and utilizing the timbers to create easy planters or a storage field for backyard toys. Simply make sure that to sand it properly and take away any stray nails or screws earlier than you begin.
9. Reap the benefits of the rain if the solar does not shine
Andy Simms, property knowledgeable from MyBuilder.com, says that whereas some dwelling and backyard jobs want good climate, gray cloudy skies and rain are good for finishing others.
“It won’t be the proper climate to mow the garden or wash the home windows, however gray and wet days can really be actually helpful to get caught into dwelling enhancements.
“The chilly and damp climate can be a good time to determine any larger points with your house that must be handled, resembling blocked guttering, damp or mould points, or leaky home windows and drafts.
“Blocked gutters are a significant reason for leaks, damp, and will trigger mould in a house. They can be a trigger to your dwelling insurance coverage to be invalidated ought to any blockages trigger an issue – so it’s very important you examine they’re working accurately.
“Whereas it’s raining, look out for any areas which might be failing or exhibiting indicators of dripping. Usually this shall be on joints or ends. When you’ve got any considerations, ebook a tradesperson to take a look at the issue areas.”
The identical goes for home windows. “Wood framed home windows are significantly weak when the climate has been so persistently moist,” says Andy, “so examine for leaks or any indicators of damp or mould. Even plastic or UPVC home windows are inclined to leaks, so whereas the climate is damp take an in depth take a look at the frames for any indicators of drips or window condensation.
“Moist and gray climate can also be time to examine for any damp patches in your partitions that will want consideration,” provides Andy. “Search for any darkish patches, spots of mould, or effervescent paint, as these are telltale indicators of damp partitions.”
A moist weekend is also the perfect time to move to your attic – not simply to type it out, but in addition to examine for any potential roof injury.
“Should you can see any water in your attic,” explains Andy, “likelihood is you’ve a lacking or damaged roof tile, or the interior membrane beneath has failed. After you have recognized an issue (or suspect there may be one), ebook in knowledgeable to restore any injury.”
Expert in plenty of trades and with nearly a decade of expertise in property building, Andy has a wealth of expertise, recommendation and suggestions for sustaining your house.
Normal DIY
1. Rework your home windows with tape or movie
Should you’ve researched the sorts of home windows out there, however changing them is not an possibility, otherwise you’ve renovated your present openings however nonetheless really feel they might do with an additional one thing, now’s the proper time to work on them – particularly because the longer nights imply you are extra more likely to have your curtains open for longer.
So as to add a leaded window impact, do this Self-Adhesive Window Lead Strip from Amazon, or for one thing extra on development, reeded glass is an more and more fashionable end. However, you do not have to exchange your glass to realize the specified impact.
Do this Reeded Glass Film from Purlfrost or this Lifetree Window Film from Amazon. In addition to including a stage of privateness to ignored home windows, it is also possibility in the event you’re trying to give your kitchen or rest room cabinet doorways a brand new lease of life.
2. Create additional storage and show areas with shelving
In relation to shelving, it is a DIY job that may flip any naked wall into one thing larger. Whether or not it is slender photos ledges to show your loved ones snaps, bigger cabinets that flip an alcove right into a bespoke bookshelf or just someplace to deal with additional toiletries house with bathroom shelf ideas, the shelf is a humble however helpful addition to any dwelling.
Simply make sure that to measure twice to keep away from errors and in the event you’re screwing into plasterboard, be sure to use the best fittings.
3. Add skiffers to your skirting
I will fortunately admit to having to go looking ‘what’s a skiffer’ after I heard somebody point out these a couple of weeks in the past. And recalling the variety of occasions I’ve sighed in dismay after damaging a newly painted skirting board with an over vigorous vacuum, I wanted I would found them years in the past.
Nonetheless, now I’ve, I am severely contemplating investing in some. Often barely extra ornate in stye, they’d be a fantastic addition to a extra historically designed dwelling or listed constructing renovation.
I’ve bought these solid brass skiffers from Amazon which are not too ornate and are available in a variety of finishes in black saved on my purchasing checklist. Different methods of utilizing them embrace placing them on the corners of furnishings that additionally get knocked or broken.
If on shut inspection you realise your skirtings are extra broken than you assume, now can also be the very best time for an inside woodwork replace say the specialists.
“April’s gentle temperatures and decrease humidity ranges additionally make it a perfect time to deal with any drained or worn inside woodwork, says Robert Quinton, DIY knowledgeable and proprietor of Construction Megastore.
“Begin by assessing the situation of skirting boards, door frames, and window sills, noting areas in want of restore or refinishing.
“Sand down tough patches and apply a contemporary coat of paint or wooden stain to revive the pure fantastic thing about the wooden. This easy but transformative activity can breathe new life into your house’s inside, enhancing its aesthetic enchantment and making a welcoming environment for residents and company alike.”
4. Full your hallway with a stair runner
I am presently researching decor concepts for my entrance and have a stair runner on the high of my purchasing checklist – one thing that simply falls into my checklist of potential weekend straightforward DIY concepts.
Though can you may have a stair runner professionally put in, if, like me, you’ve a picket stairs and need to additional element and heat, shopping for prepared made runners and putting in them your self is achievable with some primary DIY equipment and expertise.
Dunelm have a sensible Herringbone Border Jute Stair Runner and Stair Rod with Ball Finials out there in quite a lot of colors and finishes that may be a fantastic addition to any dwelling. Additionally they provide a helpful measuring information that will help you know what size runner to purchase.
5. Add a panelled wall function
Wall panelling concepts proceed to function within the high checklist of tendencies for 2024 and may be as extravagant or so simple as you select.
From easy MDF wall panelling DIY kits from B&Q that you just set up and enhance your self, to giant function partitions comprised of extra up to date panels resembling this SlatWall Mini in Charcoal from NatureWalleach are choices that might remodel a room in your house over the weekend.
Take inspiration from NatureWall and create a bespoke headboard wall, or maybe focus in your hallway and earlier than you add a runner to your stairs, use a DIY equipment to panel the decrease sections of your wall and end with a couple of coats of paint.
Lavatory DIY
1. Substitute your showerhead
Should you’ve already checked out water softener costs as you reside in a hardwater space, the possibilities are your showerhead could also be underperforming because it’s clogged up with limescale.
Changing your showerhead may be so simple as unscrewing it and switching it for a brand new model. What takes just a little extra time is determining which is the best shower head for you.
If softer and cleaner water is your aim, this Vehhe Shower Head from Amazon has been tried and examined by Joseph Mullane, Homebuilding’s information editor. It comes extremely beneficial, with Joseph noticing a direct distinction to the softness of his water.
2. Glam up your grout with a deep clear or color refresh
No-one likes taking a look at dirty grout. It is assured to make your rest room really feel lower than clear and rapidly flip a room for leisure into one you may’t wait to get out of.
On the upside, it is also a DIY activity that packs a punch and can immediately remodel your partitions and flooring into wanting contemporary and new.
Should you’re proud of the present color, then attempt one of many six strategies in our cleaning grout article from DIY knowledgeable, Steve Jenkins. I’ve personally used the baking soda and white vinegar approach earlier than and located it really works properly. I’ve equally had nice outcomes with Dettol Mould & Mildew Remover from Amazon and located this freshens white grout up properly, in addition to eradicating black mould spores.
Or, in the event you assume a color change is on the playing cards, there at the moment are a fantastic number of completely different colored grouts out there that may complement your rest room color scheme. The Baked Tile Co has an extensive range of grouts out there. Both choose a shade that matches your tiles, or for a extra placing look, add distinction with a unique color.
Steve has extra recommendation on find out how to obtain the very best end in his information to regrouting tiles.
Kitchen & Utility DIY
1. Substitute your cabinet and drawer handles
If painting kitchen cabinets is not required, however you continue to really feel you kitchen lacks just a little one thing, changing your cabinet and drawer handles is usually a fast and simple DIY revamp that actually does not take too lengthy.
To keep away from any additional DIY in the case of changing them, make sure that any new handles match the present holes. In addition to checking the bottom of the brand new deal with covers any unpainted sections of the door or drawer, if it is a longer deal with, make sure that it is the identical size because the one you take away or you may find yourself having to drill new holes and fill and paint previous ones.
2. Renovate an upcycled dresser
If the climate does not permit for a backyard blitz over the weekend, flip your hand to an upcycling challenge as an alternative suggests chalk paint knowledgeable, Annie Sloan.
A dresser is the perfect challenge for a moist weekend and an opportunity to check out your creativity. Paint the within a unique color to the skin or add a wow issue with some wallpaper or gold leaf.
It is also a way you should utilize on new furnishings. I added self-adhesive pink flamingo wallpaper to the within of this Habitat blue Morillo Cabinet final yr to create a extra enjoyable inside for my glasses and cocktail equipment. It made one thing off-the shelf extra suited to my very own fashion.
In case your kitchen lighting scheme is not fairly making the grade, nevertheless it’s too late so as to add some new wall lights to your electrical scheme, all just isn’t misplaced.
Most shops now provide a variety of plug in wall lights that may brighten up your house with no need to name upon an electrician. These Habitat Banquo Plug in Wall Lights from Argos look costlier than their £20 price ticket and can be a classy addition to any kitchen diner idea, dwelling workplace or bedroom lighting ideas.
Or, if you do not have a spare plug socket, another choice is to soundly take away the wiring from a normal wall mild, match the sunshine to your wall and use a chargeable bulb resembling these Neporal MagicGlow Rechargeable lightbulbs from Amazon which additionally include a helpful distant.
4. Give your utility room a twin identification
Should you’ve debated utility room vs laundry room and are available to the conclusion that you just really need each however simply haven’t got the house, some intelligent additions to your utility room could possibly be simply what the weekend requires.
For additional drying room, take a look at wall mounted and ceiling drying racks resembling this Chalford Wall Dryer from Garden Trading. Easy in design however sensible in nature, it provides additional drying room however folds away which means you may nonetheless entry your worktop house simply when it is not in use.
After all, in addition to these straightforward DIY tasks that add aesthetic and sensible worth, there are additionally people who must be averted. We requested Kristian Goodenough what’s the one DIY job that might devalue your house in the event you do not do it properly?
“As a lot as a contemporary coat of paint portray can add worth, a lacklustre effort can have the other impact,” he says.
“From a poor selection of colors, mismatching shades and sloppy, uneven finishes, it is a job that in the event you begin – you should not solely end however do it proper. Take into consideration colors and the way they’d complement your house, be it mushy pastel shades or sprucing up with a contemporary white coat.
“Take into account the prep work wanted earlier than you begin,” he provides, “resembling sanding down, including a coat of primer if wanted and simply as importantly, examine the climate forecast to keep away from any premature spring showers!”
For extra fast and simple DIY concepts this weekend try solutions for covering radiator pipes and if wall panelling has piqued your curiosity, discover out all the things you should know in the case of DIY wall panelling.