
Steve Jenkins
Steve Jenkins is a freelance content creator with over two decades of experience working in digital and print and was previously the DIY content editor for Homebuilding & Renovating.
He is a keen DIYer with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating the many homes he has lived in. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has a wide range of skills gleaned from working in the building trade for around 10 years and spending time at night school learning how to plaster and plumb.
He has fitted kitchens, tiled bathrooms and kitchens, laid many floors, built partition walls, plastered walls, plumbed in bathrooms, worked on loft conversions and much more. And when he's not sure how to tackle a DIY project he has a wide network of friends – including plumbers, gas engineers, tilers, carpenters, painters and decorators, electricians and builders – in the trade to call upon.
Latest articles by Steve Jenkins

Measure twice, install once. Why kitchen island sizes matter when designing the heart of your home
By Rob Keal, Sarah Harley last updated
Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, but picking the right size is essential if you want to make sure it isn't an eyesore or a complete waste of space

32 open plan kitchen ideas to create a seamless cooking, dining, and entertaining space
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Get inspired with these open plan kitchen ideas that include practical tips, stylish storage and the latest designs

How much does replacing a thermostat cost? Find out what you should expect to pay
By Steve Jenkins published
Wondering what thermostat replacement costs are? Get expert insight on buying and installation costs

Are you having toilet flush problems? Follow these simple fixes to get your toilet working as it should
By Steve Jenkins published
Toilet flush problems are annoying, but follow the expert's tips in this guide, and your toilet will be sorted in no time

Do you know how to replace a kitchen tap? Find out how in this easy-to-follow DIY guide
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Say goodbye to dripping taps, costly installation and say hello to a smart new drip-free tap

How hard is it to fit a kitchen sink waste? Experts reveal it's not as hard as you think
By Steve Jenkins last updated
With this guide and a few basic tools, you can fit a kitchen sink waste yourself without any worries

What should you know before laying kitchen floor tiles? The experts reveal simple secrets for a successful job
By Steve Jenkins published
Find out how to choose the right tiles, tile pattern, prepare the floor and lay kitchen floor tiles

Types of plaster and plastering techniques you need to know when finishing off your home renovation
By Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated
There are several different types of plaster, each with their own pros and cons –here we take a look at the main options for your internal walls

Replacing a shower screen is a quick way to upgrade your shower space. Find out how to do it yourself
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Installing a new shower screen in a bathroom can add a contemporary new look and stop leaks. Here’s how

If a DIY sink installation is on your to-do list, learn what you need to know to install it yourself
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Say goodbye to costly callouts and learn how to install a kitchen sink yourself with some basic tools and know-how

If you’ve got yellow mould growing on your walls, it's time for action. Find out what it is and how to get rid of it
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Yellow mould on walls is ugly, unhealthy and unwanted. Find out what causes it, what you can do to kill it and what to do if it comes back

What's the best option for heating a kitchen? Check out what the experts say
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
When it comes to heating a kitchen, there's a wide range of options available. This guide explores the pros and cons of the most common kitchen heating systems

Want to know how to cut a hole in wood? Experts reveal there’s more than one way to do it. We help you choose the right one
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover the top tools and techniques for cutting holes of all sizes, from small to large, to achieve your desired finish

How to fit a kitchen worktop: Step-by-step guide plus best tools, measuring and cutting
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Discover the know-how for fitting a kitchen worktop including the tools you’ll need and how to get a clean cut

How to spray paint kitchen cabinets for a factory-like finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Spray painting kitchen cabinets will give them a professional new look, help save the planet and save you some serious money

Forget replacing cabinets. We show you how painting over gloss kitchen units creates a fast, stunning refresh
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learn how painting gloss kitchen cabinets can instantly transform your kitchen and how to tackle this makeover project with our expert DIY guide

Lidl (and Arnold Schwarzenegger) are selling bargain power tools in their middle aisle... but are they any cheaper than Amazon?
By Steve Jenkins published
Will Lidl's power tool range bag you a bargain, or will a trip to Amazon save you even more money? We take a look at what’s available and where the best prices are

Are your pipes making noise when water is turned on? Experts reveal the common causes and how to fix them
By Steve Jenkins published
Noisy pipes can be annoying and alarming. Find out why it happens and how to restore quiet pipework once again

Was the Black & Decker MultiEvo Multi Tool ready to replace multiple tools in my toolbox? I put it through a thorough test to find out
By Steve Jenkins published
Do you need a new drill, jigsaw or sander, but don't want to spend big? This multi-talented tool could fulfil all your DIY needs in one go, at a much lower price point

Thinking of painting a hallway? Try these smart, practical and colour-friendly tips to elevate your entrance
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Painting a hallway isn’t the easiest paint project to tackle. Here we reveal expert help on how to choose the right colours, prepare and paint, and how to tackle hard to reach walls and ceilings

Painting over mould might seem like a good idea. But before you pick up a paintbrush, find out how to properly tackle it
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Painting over mould can help restore your home to looking its best, but how do you do it? And what prep do you need to do? Our expert explains all

If you’ve got black mould on your UPVC window sealant, you need to remove it as soon as possible. We tell you how
By Sam Webb last updated
Black mould is unsightly and can damage window frames so it is important to tackle it quickly to stop it festering

Will the amount of paint coats on a radiator affect heat output? Here’s what experts say
By Steve Jenkins published
If you're thinking of painting your radiators, find out how much you can add without affecting heat output

Wondering why mould keeps appearing on your outside walls? Check out these expert tips on how to stop it and identify serious issues
By Sarah Harley last updated
If your exterior walls are looking mouldy, here's how to stop it. Plus, we look at when it might be a sign of something that requires further investigation

Get expert advice on how to install coving to either soften the junction between ceiling and wall, or add a touch of period charm to your home
By Steve Jenkins published
Installing coving isn’t as difficult as you may think. Learn the steps to follow and the tools you‘ll need for a professional looking result
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