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Home improvement tips

Do it yourself or hire a professional?

Know which jobs to take on yourself, and how to find a tradesperson you can trust.

Good jobs to do yourself

Painting, wallpapering, flat-pack furniture, fitting shelves, simple garden work, resealing baths and sinks.

Jobs for a professional

Anything involving gas, most electrical work, structural changes, roofing and work at height, and anything that needs building regulations approval.

Finding someone you can trust

A quarter of UK homeowners, about 4.8 million people, had a problem with a trader or job on their home in the past 18 months. Those who paid to put it right typically lost £750.

Citizens Advice, July 2026
  1. Ask neighbours and friends who they have used.
  2. Look for members of recognised schemes, such as TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders, the Gas Safe Register or a registered electrical scheme.
  3. Get at least three written quotes that list the work, materials, start date and timings.
  4. Agree a written contract and a payment plan tied to finished stages. Never pay the whole cost up front.
  5. Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door offering to fix a problem you didn’t know you had.