Home and garden jobs for February half-term

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

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
• Sweep fallen leaves
• 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 - £30 per hour, it might just be worth calling in the experts.

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 2024

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.

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:

• Price up the cost of fence panel replacement
• 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.