Easy DIY Projects to Help You Keep Busy During Lockdown

DIY projects
(Image credit: Getty Images)

DIY projects were a source of inspiration and distraction during the first lockdown, and with lockdown 3.0 reportedly a long way off from being lifted, now is a great time for a quick makeover that can keep you busy and increase your home’s value.

Taking on a renovation or home improvement project could be more timely than you think. Builders’ merchants remain open having been classed as an essential retailer, and tradespeople are allowed to work in your home.

(MORE:Lockdown construction FAQ)

Moreover, the Brexit construction deal ensured no extra quotas on imports, reducing the risk of self builders and thoserenovating a houseoverpaying for building materials. There is a small石膏短缺ongoing, but supplies of most building materials have increased since the first lockdown.

These are some DIY project ideas which couldadd value to your home,and keep you occupied while the pandemic continues.

DIY Project Ideas

Augment your home office

Many of us have been working from home for several months, but it’s important to ensure your office is optimised for your comfort and health.

Positioning your home office to receive as much natural lighting as possible is essential for productivity and a healthy work space. And adding some task lighting can be particularly useful if you are working later in the evening.

It may be that you’ve been working in your current home office for a long time, and just need a change. If you have a room that isn’t used very often, or is used for storage, such as a spare room or garden room, consider setting up your home office there.

If you are moving your home office into a storage room, you’ll want to remove the stored items in advance, helping you to optimise the space. Thesestorage ideascan be used to effectively maximise your room’s space.

(MORE:12家办公室设计思想)

Home office in renovated house

Ensuring your home office has sufficient natural is important for productivity and health (Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Laying laminate flooring

Households have been stuck indoors for months, so there will have likely been more wear and tear on your floors. Laminate offers protection, and it's also easier to keep clean.

You will need the right equipment in order to lay this flooring yourself. And depending on your design of choice, it can make your home feel more spacious.

You should be able to buy your materials online, and thishow-to videofrom builder Andy Stevens demonstrates how to lay a tongue and groove dry-fix flooring system.

How to lay laminate flooring step by step

Laminate flooring can help make your home feel more spacious (Image credit: Getty Images)

Insulating a loft

Insulating a loft can make your home more energy efficient by reducing heat loss and thus your heating bills. And this is a task you can do yourself. For materials such as boards, rolls or slabs, tools sites and builders’ merchants remain open for delivery.

This beginner’s guide to绝缘一个阁楼takes you through what you need to know about doing it yourself.

Green Homes Grant insulation installed

Insulating your loft can help you pay less for heating because your home will be more energy efficient (Image credit: Getty)

Decorate Your House

Have you been putting off a painting or decorating job? Now’s the time to get to it. Not only can the job be completed within a couple of days, but the whole family can get involved - keeping you all busy and doing activities together.

Furthermore, adding a lick of paint can add around 5-10% to the value of your home. Thesetips for decorating your own housewill help you ensure a longer-lasting, professional finish.

How to paint a room man applying mist coat

A new paint job can add 5-10% to the value of your home (Image credit: Getty Images)

Plan future home improvement projects

Why not use this time to assess future home improvements you could benefit from? This might be the perfect opportunity to begin planning an extension project.

If you are longing for a larger plan space, you may also consider creating a newkitchen diner, or remodelling, orknocking down internal walls.

These projects could also help to boost your kerb appeal, and do not need to be particularly expensive. They also shouldn’t be hugely disruptive.

Jack Woodfield
News Editor

Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on theconstruction materials shortageand hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.


He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.