Home improvements you can DIY (and what to leave to the experts)

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, many of us are choosing to improve our homes instead of moving.

A new survey by Unhooked Communications found:

• over 50% of homeowners plan to make home improvements within the next year
• one in five homeowners would like to move but can't afford to, up from 13% two years ago

Most popular home improvements:

• painting/decorating – 31%
• garden landscaping – 21%
• new flooring – 12%
• bathroom upgrades – 11%
• outdoor dining areas – 11%
• window/door replacements – 11%
• kitchen improvements – 11%

Improving your home can be rewarding and cost-effective, especially if you’re willing to take on some tasks yourself.

Here's a guide to which projects are DIY-friendly and which are best left to the professionals.

Painting

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform a room and it’s one of the most cost-effective changes you can make.

Repaint walls, skirting boards and even ceilings yourself, just remember to cover floors and furniture before you start.

Cleaning gutters

As long as you’re physically able and have a sturdy ladder (plus someone to hold it), cleaning your gutters is a simple and satisfying DIY task.

It keeps water flowing properly and helps prevent bigger maintenance issues.

Unblocking drains and pipes

Skip the plumber for small blockages. Boiling water, baking soda, vinegar and a plunger or drain snake are often all you need. If the blockage persists, that’s when to bring in a professional.

Hanging up pictures and shelves

You don’t need to call someone in just to hang shelves, artwork or framed photos. With a hammer, nails, level or wall plugs, you can add personal touches to your home on your own.

Repainting kitchen cabinets

Revamp your kitchen on the cheap by repainting existing cabinets. Clean them, sand the surfaces, prime and paint. You’ll have a kitchen that looks refreshed for a fraction of the cost of replacing cabinets.

Replacing door handles

Whether they’re broken or just outdated, replacing door handles is an easy job. A screwdriver or drill and a few minutes are all it takes to give your doors a new look.

Re-insulate your attic

If your attic is accessible, you can add insulation yourself without much technical knowledge. This can help regulate your home's temperature year-round, saving energy and money.

Refresh grout

Grubby grout can make a bathroom or kitchen look tired. Clean it with vinegar or baking soda, or apply a grout refresh product for a quick and impressive update.

Upcycle furniture

Instead of buying new furniture or hiring an upholsterer, update old pieces yourself. Clean, sand and repaint or stain them. Add new knobs or handles for a fresh and tailored look.

Restore timber frames

If you have exposed beams or timber frames, you could clean and restore them yourself, especially if the damage is superficial.

For deeper restoration, look into methods like soda blasting to reveal the natural wood grain.

Small kitchen upgrades

Add splashbacks, install open shelves or replace tired tiles. These are manageable tasks that can modernise your kitchen without the need for a full renovation.

Gardening and basic landscaping

Tasks like mowing, weeding, planting, pruning and creating flower beds are doable on your own. It’s great physical activity and the payoff is a beautiful garden.

Home improvement projects you shouldn’t do yourself

Roofing

While you might be able to replace a tile or two near the edge, anything involving getting up on the roof is dangerous and should be handled by a professional.

Structural changes

Thinking of knocking down a wall to create an open-plan space? That’s a job for qualified builders and may even require a structural engineer and planning permission.

Major kitchen renovations

Complex jobs like installing new flooring, worktops or rearranging plumbing and electrical systems demand experience and precision.

Hire a kitchen specialist to avoid costly mistakes.

Adding skylights, windows and doors

These are structural changes that require advanced skills, tools and compliance with building codes.

Definitely a job for professionals.

Electrical work

It might seem simple to change a light fixture, but electrical work can be risky and even deadly if done incorrectly. Always leave it to a certified electrician.

Major plumbing work

Small fixes like unblocking drains are fine, but larger tasks, such as moving pipes or installing water heaters, should always be handled by a qualified plumber.

Mistakes here can lead to flooding, water damage or contamination.

Gas work

Anything involving gas, like boilers, cookers or heating systems, is extremely hazardous and must legally be done by a certified professional. Gas leaks can cause explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Landscape gardening

For more complex landscaping projects, like levelling ground, laying paving or building raised beds, consider bringing in a professional, especially if it involves drainage or structural elements.

New flooring

This one depends on the type of flooring and your confidence level.

Laminate, vinyl plank and click-lock flooring are designed for easy installation and are suitable for DIYers with basic tools.

But tiles, hardwood and carpets require more skill, precision and preparation. Uneven floors, awkward cuts and poor fitting can lead to expensive problems later.

If in doubt, get help with installation, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Tackling your own home improvements can be a cost-saving and satisfying experience but only if you know where to draw the line.

When safety, legality or structural integrity is at stake, always bring in a qualified professional.