
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

Get power, precision and performance with the 5 best reciprocating saws for DIYers
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
The best reciprocating saws are handy tools to have for use around your next build or DIY project. Here are 5 of the best

Learn what a coping saw is and why it’s an essential for your DIY toolkit
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Discover the answer to what is a coping saw, find out what jobs it’s good for, what it can cut and which blades you need for different DIY projects

Quickly learn how to replace a window handle with advice from the pros
By Steve Jenkins published
Try these easy-to-follow steps to remove an old window handle and replace it with a new one

Does my house need rewiring? 7 signs that it could be time to call in an electrician
By Steve Jenkins published
Does my house need rewiring? The experts reveal what you need to look out for

What is a tenon saw used for, and how does it differ from other saw types? Here you’ll find the answers to six common questions
By Steve Jenkins last updated
You’ve heard the name but what is a tenon saw used for? We take a look at what a tenon saw is, what materials it can cut and reveal why it has a brass back

Check out these expert tiling an uneven floor tips to make sure you get a flat and level surface
By Steve Jenkins published
Find out how to get rid of high points and low points on an uneven concrete or wooden floor to get it ready for tiling

How to paint wardrobe doors to give a fresh look to your bedroom
By Steve Jenkins published
Get expert advice on the paint, tools and techniques you’ll need to know to paint tired wardrobe doors

I never start a decorating project without this £9 Amazon buy by my side — this is why you need to add one to your tool collection
By Steve Jenkins published
If you want to speed up your paint projects, make less mess and work like a pro, then investing in a paint scuttle is a must

I'm a DIY expert and these are the essential tools I always buy on Amazon to make decorating projects easier
By Steve Jenkins published
Amazon makes stocking my toolbox easy when I need new DIY essentials. It saves me time, money, and stress, and with next-day delivery, I’ve always got what I need for my next project

An expert guide to the 7 best cordless strimmers — from budget options to the best overall model
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

Looking for the best bathroom sealants to stop leaks and prevent mould? Here are six of our favourites for 2025
By Jack Woodfield last updated
Finding the best bathroom sealants for your needs is crucial for sealing gaps and preventing water leaks that can cause unseen water damage. Here you’ll find a selection of highly rated sealants that match your sanitary ware

Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris
By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated
We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project

The best 6 integrated dishwashers of 2025
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated
We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

Treat your lawn to a fresh trim using one of the 6 best petrol lawnmowers
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Whether you're looking for a sharp cut or pristine stripes here's 6 of the best petrol lawnmowers to suit gardens and budgets of all shapes and sizes

Are you having thermostatic valve problems? The pros reveal how to identify and fix issues
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn how to recognise thermostatic valve problems so you can sort yourself or call in a professional

What is the ideal radiator height from floor? Pros reveal the answer — but it's not as simple as you might think
By Steve Jenkins published
Getting the right radiator height from the floor will ensure efficient and effective heating of your home

Can you use plastic pipes for heating systems? Copper vs plastic pipes explained
By Steve Jenkins published
Our expert dives into the pros and cons of plastic and copper pipes for your heating system

Cracked and chipped flooring? How to replace a broken floor tile without causing damage elsewhere
By Steve Jenkins published
Restore your floor to avoid damaged tiling becoming a hazard

Own a stairway to hell? Transform it into a stairway to heaven with our DIY guide to sanding stairs
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Prep your stairs to perfection with our guide to sanding stairs so you can transform them with a fresh new coat of stain, varnish or paint

Fed up of gloss paintbrushes feeling stiff and sticky? Follow this simple guide to cleaning them and they'll feel like new
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Need to know how to clean gloss paintbrushes? Here we give you the lowdown how to clean water-based and oil-based paints to keep your brushes in top condition

Take your sanding skills to the next level with these 9 must-know tips and techniques
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Sanding is a skill that every DIYer needs to learn to do well. Here we reveal the tips and tricks you need to know to get the very best finish for your project

6 common mistakes to avoid when learning how to use an orbital sander
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learn how to use an orbital sander the right way and discover what you should – and shouldn’t – be doing to get the best finish using this hand-held power tool

Learn how to build a garden wall with this DIY guide
By Steve Jenkins published
Transform your front and back garden with a neat new brick wall. Here we tell you how and what you'll need
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.