Blog>Expert Advice>Home and garden jobs for February half-term
Last updated: 9 February 2024
Home and garden jobs for February half-term
February half-term is an opportunity to catch up on all the home and garden jobs you've been neglecting over the winter. With the school schedule out of the window for a week (or two), now's the time to take stock and resume order.
In this post, we outline a selection of home and garden jobs to tick off your to-do list during the February half-term.
However, we know it's not always easy, especially if you're juggling childcare and/or work, or have plans to get away. That's why we've separated the jobs into three categories:
Quick wins that can be completed in an hour or so
Larger DIY tasks to undertake if you have an afternoon spare
More complex jobs to hand over to the experts
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Popular jobs for February half-term
Embrace the (slightly) slower pace during the half-term holiday; take the opportunity to tick a few jobs off the 'to-do' list and get some plans in motion.
Quick wins
With a spare hour or so (and possibly some enthusiastic helpers), these jobs will make a big impact in a short amount of time.
1. Give your garden some love
February half-term is the ideal time to turn your attention to the garden.
Clean garden furniture and any outdoor play equipment
Cut back any climbing plants
Dig up and divide/reposition any overcrowded shrubs or perennials
Need some help with your outdoor space?
A gardener typically charges around £35 per hour.Find a quality local gardener here.
2. Clean windows and blinds
Get ahead on your spring cleaning by dedicating an hour to cleaning your windows and/or blinds.
Read our guide to cleaning windows for a spotless, streak-free finish that involves newspaper, baking soda, and a toothbrush!
Our guide to cleaning blinds explains how to tackle this job, even if you have mould spots to contend with!
Prefer to call in the professionals?
You'll find a full range of quality tradespeople in our leading directory, including trusted and approved cleaners and window cleaners.
3. Clear your gutters
Dead leaves, moss, and debris can be a real nuisance, causing problems such as damp and rot if left to build up.
Learn how to clean your gutters using a selection of different methods, depending on the equipment you have available
Find a gutter clearance expert near you
While it's possible to clear your gutters yourself, it can be a messy job from the ground and dangerous from height. Costing around £20 - £30per hour, it might just be worth calling in the experts.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
DIY tasks
Feeling invigorated by the absence of the school run and endless extra-curricular activities? Channel your extra energy into a DIY project for an instant update.
1. Give your WC a makeover
Feel a real sense of accomplishment by doing a mini makeover on your downstairs cloakroom.
Add some wallpaper to make an impact with beautiful print (or cheat with the stick-on variety!)
Try a spot of tiling to create an eye-catching splashback
Level up the luxury by adding some chic fixtures
2. Apply a fresh lick of paint
Whether you want to freshen up your walls or go for a completely new look, a fresh lick of paint can work wonders to transform a space.
Use our expert guide to help pick the right paint colour for any room
Perfect your painting technique with our step-by-step guide to painting a room
Create a splash with the leading paint trends for 2025
3. Clean the grout
Grimy grout getting you down? Learn how to deal with your dirty grout in three different ways.
Paint over the grout for a quick fix
Clean your grout for a mould-free finish
Remove the grout and start afresh
Not sure how to get started?
Our homeowner blog contains step-by-step instructions to help you tackle all these DIY projects and more. You'll find this handy content in our 'How-to' section.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Jobs for the professionals
Finally, a list of jobs for February that are best left to the professionals. Either because they require particular expertise, are potentially dangerous for a DIY-er, or would be too time-consuming to accomplish in a week!
1. Renew your flooring
Treat your feet to new flooring, inside and out. Carpets last around 10-15 years. If yours are looking a bit tired, it might be time for a fresh new look.
Budget for new carpets with our comprehensive cost guide
Calculate the cost of underfloor heating with our handy post
Update your outdoor space with a stylish new patio
Our cost guides provide ballpark costs to help you price up your projects and estimates on how long the work might take.
2. Exterior repairs
Your outdoor space can take a real battering during the winter months. Roof tiles missing? Fences down? Here's all the info you need:
Replace missing tiles to keep your roof weathertight
Improve your kerb appeal with new fascias and soffits
3. Plan your extension
Thinking of renovating your house? Perhaps a bathroom remodel or a kitchen extension? It's all in the planning - we have a selection of guides to help you on your way.
Design the kitchen of your dreams with the help of our kitchen planning guide, take inspiration from our open-plan kitchen ideas and price up your kitchen extension with our kitchen diner cost guide
Create the bathroom you've always desired with our bathroom design guide, complete with planning and layout help, tips for selecting your colour scheme and sanitaryware, how to choose the finishing touches, and budgeting
Plan your house extension with our selection of inspiring ideas from kitchen/diners to garages, lofts, and conservatories. Then price up your project using our house extension cost guide
Find a local expert
Home extensions, renovations, and maintenance tasks; you name it, the Checkatrade directory is here to help you embark on your home and garden repairs and improvements with confidence. Simply add your postcode to the box below to start your search.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job