Home and garden jobs for the summer holidays

The summer months help us look at our homes in a new light. The sunshine puts a spring in our step, encouraging us to tackle home and garden improvements with gusto. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for home and garden jobs during the summer holidays, you’re in the right place.

Popular home and garden jobs for the summer holidays

Whether you’re seeking ideas for minor updates or larger transformative projects, we’ve got all the expert tips, help, and advice you need to kickstart your summer home and garden projects.

Quick wins

These home improvements are doable over the course of the August bank holiday weekend, providing a satisfying and impressive update for relatively little investment.

1. Start a summer painting project

A lick of paint provides an instant update that won’t break the bank. And the warmer, drier weather provides the ideal conditions for outdoor painting projects too.

• Learn how to restore and paint your front door, step-by-step
• Give your garden decking a bright makeover
• Bring some holiday inspiration into your own home with a coastal-inspired kitchen or the warm glow of a rose-hued colour scheme

Find an experienced painter and decorator

If you’re bursting with inspiration but don’t have the time to complete these projects yourself, we can help. A professional painter and decorator charges on average, £325 per day. Search for the top painters and decorators in your area.

2. Take on a tiling task

With so many beautiful tiles available, it’s easy to create an eye-catching update in just a few hours. If you’re a tiling novice, why not start with a compact splashback area in the kitchen, utility room, or WC?

• First, take a look at our tiled kitchen splashback ideas and bathroom tiling ideas for loads of inspiration on styles, designs, and colours
• If you’re feeling fancy, browse these gorgeous geometric tile ideas
• Using our m² estimates, price up the cost of your tiling project
• And when you’re ready to get started, follow our guide to tiling a splashback in seven simple steps

3. Make some smart additions

Smart home automation is growing in popularity among UK homeowners who want to take advantage of its many benefits.

• Install a Ring Doorbell for added security
• Invest in a Hive thermostat for greater energy efficiency
• Add smart lighting for ultimate convenience

Learn more about the cost of home automation in our comprehensive guide and find a qualified electrician using our search:

Larger tasks

The following projects typically take a little longer than a bank holiday weekend and usually require a pro.

1. Lay a new patio

Get ready for alfresco dining, relaxing, and entertaining with a sleek new patio.

• If you’re an experienced DIYer, why not lay a new patio yourself? Follow our guide to laying a patio to learn how
• Not sure what style to go for? Scroll through our garden patio ideas for inspiration
• Wondering how much this project might cost? Plan your budget with our patio laying cost guide

Prefer to call in the experts?

For a professional finish every time, enlist the help of an experienced tradesperson. Find highly-rated patio contractors in your local area here.

2. Get a garden shed

Shed, summerhouse, or garden room – there are loads of ways to maximise your outside storage and living space. We know that homeowners often have questions about some of the practical elements of these outdoor structures, so here’s a handy overview:

• Learn whether you need planning permission for a shed
• Find out how to get electrics to a shed or garden room
• Plan your garden office project with our helpful guide, including the building rules and regulations, choice of materials, and costs

Considering some garden landscaping?

Create a uniform yet rustic feel in your garden with our guide to laying garden sleepers.

3. Upgrade your bathroom

Take the plunge and upgrade your bathroom this summer!

• Not sure where to start? Our ultimate guide to bathroom renovation planning has everything you need
• Dealing with a compact space? Here’s what you need to know about small bathroom planning
• Want something that’s bang on trend? Check out the top bathroom design ideas for 2024
• And if you dare to be bold, add a splash of colour to your at-home sanctuary

Make life easy

Contact a professional bathroom fitter to design and install your new bathroom with ease. To see who comes highly recommended near you, enter your postcode below.

Transformative projects

These transformative projects are best left to qualified professionals. (Hint – you’ll find them in our leading directory!)

1. Install solar panels

While the UK experiences its peak temperatures for the year, many homeowners wonder how they can make use of those powerful summer rays.

Solar panels are a wise investment. They help reduce energy bills and could add value to your home. Of course, they’re great for the environment, too.

2. Swimming pool

If the summer’s got you dreaming of lazing around poolside in your own backyard, you’ll be interested in our guide to building a swimming pool.

For an outdoor pool, you’re looking at around £105,000 for one that’s 1.25m deep. For more detailed information, read our swimming pool cost guide.

3. Loft conversion

Another popular home improvement project during the summer months is a loft conversion.

Done well, a loft conversion could add up to 20% to the value of your home while providing extra living space within your existing footprint.

• Gather ideas and inspiration for your loft conversion project
• Get a cost estimate with our helpful loft conversion cost guide

Find experienced tradespeople

You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.

Take a look at our advice on hiring a trade:

Find a local tradesperson

If you’re inspired to complete a few home and garden jobs during the summer holidays and August bank holiday weekend but need a professional, we’ve got you covered. Hiring a tradesperson will mean a top-quality finish and free up more time to relax in your newly updated space.

Enter your postcode into the search box, and tell us what you need help with. Then, we’ll share a list of the top-rated professionals in your local area.