
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

Where to buy masonry paint to give your brick, render and cement surfaces a new lease of life
By Steve Jenkins published
If you’re looking for the best masonry paint at wallet-friendly prices, check out the list of UK retailers we have put together to help you get what you want

Is pre-painted skirting board worth the extra cost? We have the answer on whether or not it'll actually save you time
By Steve Jenkins published
We help you decide if it's the right option for your next decorating project

Best paint sprayers – our favourite picks for a professional finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
From budget buys to premium options, the best paint sprayers are a great tool to help speed up your next DIY project

Ever heard of LED skirting board? Find out why it's worth a look when designing and planning your living spaces
By Steve Jenkins published
LED skirting board adds subtle and atmospheric lighting to a room. Discover what it is, how it works and whether you can install it yourself

What is the optimal combi boiler water temperature for heating and hot water? Experts reveal how you should set both
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover the ideal combi boiler water temperature range and how you can save money on your heating bills

Best bathroom sealants – our top-rated buys for stopping leaks and preventing mould
By Jack Woodfield last updated
The best bathroom sealants are crucial for sealing gaps and preventing water leaks that can cause unseen water damage

The best integrated dishwashers will make light work of washing-up – we advise the key features to look out for
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated
Hand over dishwashing duties to one of the best integrated dishwashers from Beko, Bosch or Miele, as chosen by experts

Installing a French drain only takes 6 simple steps but could reduce the risk of flooding in your garden
By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated
While some drainage problems need expert help, installing a French drain is something you can tackle yourself. We explain the tools you need and how to do it

What you need to do before tiling on wood to ensure your tiles stick and stay looking good
By Steve Jenkins published
Get your preparation right for tiling on wood, and you won't be coming back to fix any time soon

Where to buy paint for every room in your home as well as the features in your garden
By Steve Jenkins published
Are you looking for the right paint, at the right price for your next home renovation project? We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of UK retailers to suit all your painting needs.

Best vacuum cleaners for builders – say goodbye to dust and debris with our trusted favourites
By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated
Our pick of the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project

Our favourite cordless strimmers will keep your lawn in shape, whatever the time of year
By Jack Woodfield, Teresa Conway last updated
We've scoured the market for the best cordless strimmers to help you choose the perfect tool to keep your lawn and garden looking neat and tidy with minimal effort

Let the experts help you choose the type of power saw you are going to need for your next DIY project
By Steve Jenkins last updated
What types of power saw do you need? We take a closer look at six saws that you should consider for your collection and why you might need them

Why you should have a reciprocating saw in your toolbox
By Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated
Demolition, remodelling or rough cutting, a reciprocating saw is crucial for all of these jobs. We provide the lowdown on choosing, using and optimising a reciprocating saw

Avoid these 9 common grouting mistakes that could be ruining your tiling projects
By Steve Jenkins published
Check out the expert advice in this guide and say goodbye to making grouting mistakes forever

Forget radiators, find out how skirting board heating saves space and creates warm, welcoming spaces
By Steve Jenkins published
If you're wondering what skirting board heating is, this expert guide provides the answers.

Is your Combi boiler pressure too low or too high? Find out what it should be, how to fix it and when you should call in a professional
By Steve Jenkins published
Check that your combi boiler pressure is set in the green zone, and discover the reasons why it might not be

Discover the art of sanding metal with these expert tips from the pros
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn what tools, sandpaper, grits and techniques you need to sand metal successfully

No need to rip out old trim — try skirting over skirting for a quick and easy way to update your skirting boards
By Steve Jenkins published
Experts reveal why you should do this, what types are available and how to install it

What are the unknowns behind successfully painting varnished wood? Experts share their tips for a smart, smooth, long-lasting finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Find out how to prep old varnished wood and get it ready for a fresh coat of paint

This is how to remove mould from walls without needing to repaint them, says cleaning expert
By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated
Understanding how to remove walls from walls is key to maintaining a safe and healthy home, but how do you do it without damaging the surface? We explain how

Can you paint a log burner? They don’t always have to be black
By Steve Jenkins published
Experts reveal whether it is possible to change the colour of this cosy heating installation

What is daisy chain lighting? Expert reveals how it can cut costs and installation times
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover when and where you can use daisy chain lighting in and around your home
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