Thinking of tackling some bank holiday DIY jobs? These are some of the most common do-it-yourself jobs undertaken on a long weekend, a few fun project suggestions, and instructions on how to to do them…

1. Replace any blown light bulbs

There’s nothing wrong with starting simple! We’re all guilty of delaying changing a blown lightbulb, so this is the perfect opportunity to get this simple DIY job done. Although, if you have those pesky spring-mounted spotlights, it can actually be quite tricky! This YouTube video by Get It Done makes wrestling them out of the ceiling look quite easy. While you’re paying some attention to your lighting and ceilings, take some time to dust any lampshades or remove the cobwebs from the corners of the ceiling. Or, if you fancy a change, think about switching up your light fixture with a new lampshade.

2. Paint the floorboards

Painting your floorboards is a pretty big task, so a long weekend is the perfect time to get stuck in. First up, you’ll need to remove all the furniture from the room, then sand down the floorboards so that they are as even as possible. Next, treat the floorboards with a primer, and then go in with your paint! Depending on what kind of finish you want, painting a floorboard can require up to three coats.

3. Build a fire pit

If you’re spending more time in the garden as of late, consider building your own fire pit ready for cosy summer nights. There are many in-depth how-to guides online but the basic premise is that you dig out a hole where you want the fire pit to sit, fill it with gravel and lay paving stones around the edge to protect the perimeter. This video from Wickes offers further guidance:

4. Regrout the tiles

If you’ve tried cleaning your grout but are not happy with the results, it might be time to regrout your tiles. It’s quite a labour-intensive job, so make sure you’re prepared to get stuck in and have the right tools. Grout is available in a wide variety of colours these days, so opting for a darker grout or one that matches the colour of your tiles could make a big difference to the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom. This video by B&Q is a great watch if you want to know how to regrout your tiles:

5. Paint your kitchen cabinets

Make use of the long weekend by adding a pop of colour to your kitchen cabinets with paint. Start by removing any door knobs and handles, protecting hinges with masking tape, and giving the cabinets a thorough clean with degreaser. Wait for them to dry, then gently sand the cabinets with fine sandpaper to remove the sheen and create a smooth painting surface. Masking tape any areas where the cabinets meet walls, flooring, skirting, appliances or worktops.

Give your paint a good stir (some don’t require a primer, which will save you time and money) and pour it into a paint tray. Cut in around the edges using a brush and use a roller to paint larger surfaces. Allow the paint to dry before applying a second coat. Once your second coat is completely dry, remove the masking tape and put the handles back on. Click here for further tips on painting kitchen cabinets from the experts at Dulux.

6. Remove skirting boards

Have you been planning on replacing your skirting boards but haven’t had the time to remove the old ones? This is a job that should be done carefully and with the right tools. You’ll need a Stanley blade to start to loosen the tops of the skirting boards and a crowbar to pry them away from the walls. Also, be sure to remove any nails left in the wall with a set of pliers, trying to avoid any cracks or holes widening.

7. Turn your garden shed into a home office

Or perhaps a garden bar? Unlock the full potential of your garden shed by creating a home workspace, or a pub-style hangout. Start by clearing out the shed and checking that it’s in good nick – if it’s not waterproof, you’ll need to do some repairs before you can move any electrical equipment in. Then, the fun part begins – start prepping your new home office with a great paint job. Follow this step-by-step guide by the wood paint experts at Cuprinol.

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