
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

How much is a new boiler? Discover what you can expect to pay
By Steve Jenkins published
Need a new boiler? Then you are probably asking yourself How much is a new boiler? Here we reveal what you can expect to pay for a new gas or oil boiler

I'm a DIY expert and here's how painting over damp should be carried out
By Steve Jenkins published
Are you thinking of painting over damp on your walls and ceilings? We show you how to do it the right way

What is a closed back toilet and should I choose one?
By Steve Jenkins published
What is a closed back toilet? Not sure? Here we reveal what they are, what benefits they bring to your home and how much they cost

A DIY guide to spray painting wood for a smooth, professional finish
By Steve Jenkins published
If you want a factory-like finish, spray painting wood is one way to make it happen. Discover all you need to know to achieve smart silky results

15 decorating mistakes to avoid on your next painting or wallpapering project
By Steve Jenkins published
Avoid the decorating mistakes in this guide and your next painting and decorating project will be a success

10 DIY mistakes to avoid on your next project
By Steve Jenkins published
DIY mistakes are easy to make, especially if you are new to a do-it-yourself task. Here we reveal expert advice to make sure your next project is a success

How to build a fence: Four steps to a smart new boundary
By Steve Jenkins published
Knowing how to build a fence can save you serious money, which you can spend on better posts and panels. Get expert advice on how to plan, install and finish a fence

Painting wood furniture: A DIY guide to get the perfect finish
By Steve Jenkins published
There’s an art to painting wood furniture, from getting your prep right, choosing the best tools and using the right paint. Find the answers in this step-by-step guide

Can you paint a composite door? Our expert explains how to freshen up this door type
By Steve Jenkins published
If you are wondering whether painting a composite door is possible, you’ve come to the right place. We guide you through the tips and techniques to get a flawless finish

How to remove mould from walls without damaging paint
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Understanding how to remove mould from walls without damaging paint will mean that you can relax in the knowledge that your home is free from harmful spores at the same time as enjoying walls that look fresh and crisp

What are BTUs? What they mean and why they are important to understand
By Steve Jenkins published
What are BTUs on the radiators in your home? Do you know? What do they mean? Do you have the right radiators for your room? We get an expert to tell you more

How to unblock drains outside: Tips and techniques to keep them working
By Steve Jenkins published
We reveal what you can do to unblock drains outside, the common causes and when it's time to call in a professional

11 bathroom shelf ideas to help create smart storage solutions
By Steve Jenkins published
Introduce any of these stylish bathroom shelf ideas to keep your shampoos, soaps and essentials neat, tidy, within reach and easy to find when you need them

How to repair cracks in walls for a smooth and secure finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn how to repair cracks in walls and restore plaster, concrete and brick back to its best. Plus, get expert advice on how to identify structural cracks

Water softener costs: How much to buy, install and run?
By Steve Jenkins published
What are water softener costs? An expert reveals how much you can expect to pay to add and maintain a water softener system in your home

How to lay vinyl tiles: a step-by-step guide from a DIY expert
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover how to lay vinyl tiles in your bathroom, kitchen or hallway, with expert tips on where to start, where to cut and how to finish

11 wallpaper tools you'll need for a flawless finish when wallpapering
By Steve Jenkins published
Add these essential wallpaper tools to your DIY arsenal to make sure your plain, patterned or specialist finish wallpaper will be easy to apply and look great

Tiling a bathroom wall: A DIY guide to get you started
By Steve Jenkins published
Are you tiling a bathroom wall yourself? Then we are here to help. Find out where to start, how to cut tiles, apply adhesive and add grout to get a pro finish

Painting ceiling beams in four steps
By Steve Jenkins published
How easy is painting ceiling beams? We tell what prep you need to do and what paint you should use to get a smart long lasting finish

How to plaster a wall to get a super smooth finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Knowing how to plaster a wall will take your DIY skills to new levels. Find out how to prep, plaster and finish to get a flat even surface ready for painting or decorating

What is yellow mould on walls and how do I get rid of it?
By Steve Jenkins published
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

Installing a radiator: What type do you need and where should it go?
By Steve Jenkins published
Before installing a radiator you need to make some important decisions. Here we help you decide on what will work best for your home

Best conservatory heater: We look at the options to help you make the right choice
By Steve Jenkins published
Choosing the best conservatory heater isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Here we look at pros and cons for six different options
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