EXPERT ADVICE
Home and garden jobs for the May bank holidays
Updated 04/26
With not one but two bank holidays in May — plus the half-term break — there’s plenty of opportunity to make a start on those home and garden jobs that have been waiting for the right moment. For many people, the Early May Bank Holiday, the Spring Bank Holiday, and the May half-term provide a natural window to get the house and garden ready for the months ahead.
Whether you're tackling a few quick improvements or planning something more ambitious, this time of year is ideal for getting organised and making visible progress. In this post, you'll find a selection of popular home and garden projects for this time of year, including:
Quick wins you can complete in just a few hours
Larger tasks that may benefit from expert help
Transformative projects best left to qualified professionals
Find checked tradespeople working in your area
Popular home and garden jobs for the May bank holidays
With warmer weather arriving and gardens starting to come back to life, May is a great time to focus on the practical jobs that keep your home running smoothly, from tidying outdoor spaces to booking in maintenance before the busy summer season begins.
Quick wins
Ready to do some gardening during the Early May Bank Holiday? Fancy a good declutter on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend? Perhaps you're keen to get the paint out for a spot of decorating.
Keep reading for our top tips and expert guidance to embark on these projects (and more!) with ease.
1. Garden
With longer days ahead, the garden becomes more enticing, and there are plenty of jobs to tackle to help keep your outdoor space in top condition.
Keep an eye out for late frosts and protect tender plants
Plant out summer bedding plants, lift and divide clumps of spring-flowering bulbs, and open greenhouse vents on warmer days
Get rid of weeds, mow lawns weekly, and water frequently
'Earth up' potatoes, install stakes to support tall plants such as peas and beans and tackle any pests such as aphids or slugs
Want to refresh your hard landscaping?
Find out more about the outdoor flooring options available
Check out our 'how-to' guide to laying patio slabs
Learn the best way to clean block paving
Need some help with your outdoor space?
A gardener on average charges £35 per hour. Find a quality local gardener.
2. Garage declutter
If you dream of a clean, organised garage but aren't sure how to get started, this one's for you.
In five easy steps, you can create the garage space you desire before the Early May Bank Holiday weekend is out!
First, make a plan and gather supplies
Then empty, sort, and categorise your garage items
Next up, it's cleaning and repairs
Decide on your new layout
And finally, organise your storage
Ready to give it a go?
Read our guide to decluttering your garage in one day. And if you're tackling a large clear-out, you may need a skip. Find out about the cost of skip hire.
Unsure where to start? There are professionals who can help you to declutter!
Search for trusted and approved decluttering services near you in our leading directory. You won't regret it!
Could a garage conversion be on the cards?
We're all guilty of using our garage as a dumping ground. If you've decluttered to the max, you might feel that your garage could be put to better use.
Check out these 15 garage conversion ideas. The right conversion could add up to 20% to the value of your home!
3. Update with paint
Paint is a cost-effective update that'll instantly give your home a fresh look and feel.
Discover the trending paint colours for 2026 to help you decorate with confidence
Upcycle your furniture
Why not update your furniture with a coat of paint? It's great for the planet, your wallet, and immensely satisfying — it's the perfect bank holiday activity!
Paint your exterior woodwork
Now the days are drier and warmer, it's the ideal time to paint exterior woodwork. Feeling bold? Go for a pop of colour on your shed or summerhouse!
Prefer a little help?
Look no further than the Checkatrade site to find a professional painter and decorator near you. The average rate of a painter at £325 per day is well worth the investment.
Find checked tradespeople working in your area
Larger tasks
May is also a time for getting organised and booking in some important jobs from a maintenance and safety point of view. Four of the most popular jobs at this time of year include:
1. A home safety check
Use the long bank holiday weekend to give your home a full safety check.
Book an electrical safety check
Test your fire alarms and smoke detectors
Check your door and window locks are safe and secure
2. A car service
Make sure your car is in safe working order with a regular service. Did you know you can find top-rated local mechanics on Checkatrade?
3. Fascia, soffits, and gutter replacement
Replacing worn fascias, soffits, and gutters will make sure your home is properly protected from the elements and give it an instant facelift.
Find out the cost of fascia, soffit, and gutter replacement.
4. Blown window replacement
Blown windows create a cloudy appearance, and can also negatively affect your home's energy efficiency.
Discover the cause of blown windows and the average cost of repair
Find a reliable expert with the help of our handy guide to finding a double-glazing installer near you
Call in the experts
At Checkatrade, we make it easy to find trusted and reputable local trades. Whether you need an electrician, mechanic, glazier, or any other trade, you'll find the top-rated professionals in our leading directory. Enter your postcode below to get started.
Find checked tradespeople working in your area
Transformative projects
Now we move on to the larger-scale projects that have transformative powers. First up, the kitchen.
1. A new kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and if yours isn't working for you, you don't have to live with it.
Undertake a budget kitchen renovation with these 14 clever makeover ideas
Find out how much a new kitchen costs in our detailed guide
Running out of space? Gather ideas for a kitchen diner extension
Our comprehensive planning guide to kitchen renovation will help you embark on every aspect of this home improvement project with confidence.
Kitchen renovation planning guide: Everything you need to plan your kitchen renovation project with ease
Whether you're an experienced DIY-er, or a keen novice, Checkatrade’s ultimate kitchen renovation planning guide covers everything you'll need, including: Initial ideas and inspiration How-to measuring guides Help with design choices Advice on the demolition phase Guidance on technical jobs Tips on
2. A house renovation
Home renovations can eliminate the need to move house, creating the space you crave in your existing property.
Understand the individual costs involved in property renovation with our handy guide - an invaluable tool to help keep your budget on track
We share our top tips for budgeting for home renovations
Follow our guide to gathering ideas and inspiration for your next renovation
3. Air conditioning installation
Even in the UK, air conditioning is increasingly seen as a worthwhile investment, helping keep homes comfortable during warmer months.
Learn more about the cost of air conditioning installation.
Find experienced tradespeople working in your area
If you're inspired to complete a few home and garden jobs in May but could do with some help, we've got you covered.
Not only will choosing a professional tradesperson mean a top-quality finish, but it'll free up more of your time to relax during the extra bank holidays!
Simply enter your postcode to the search box below, tell us what you need help with and we'll show you the checked and reviewed professionals who cover your local area.
Find checked tradespeople working in your area
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job