If you’re one of those people who gets intimidated when thinking about doing some DIY around your home, you’re not the only one. However, there are plenty of simple jobs that you can turn your hand to without needing a whole lot of experience, and every time that you complete something, you’ve equipped yourself with new skills and move up a level.

As with everything new, learn to walk before you run. DIY can be a great confidence booster. Not only does a good job done make you feel empowered, but it can also save you a lot of money because you don’t need to call in the professionals.

Okay, you may not be up for reroofing your house, but here are some uncomplicated DIY jobs that you can start out with.

Cleaning your windows

Are you paying for a window cleaner? Sure, there are some homes where windows can be tricky to access without long ladders, but more and more homes have windows that you can turn inward so that you can clean the exterior as well as the interior. Look at what you can do and you can spruce up your windows in no time.

There are many window-cleaning sprays available in shops, but you can save money by making your own cleaning solution. You’ll need around 80ml of white vinegar to a half pint of water, a drop of dishwashing liquid and some paper towels. Put the solution in an empty spray bottle, coat the window panes, wipe clean, and you’ve got lots more light coming in.

Putting up a picture

If your décor seems a bit drab, try livening it up by hanging some pictures. They could be favourite family photos or just some images that you’ve had lying around for a while with no particular place to go.

Take your time to decide what goes where, mark with a pencil where you want them to go, and check that you’re not going to put a nail through an electric cable or a pipe – use a wire and pipe detector. Bang the nail in, attached to a picture hook, and when you hang it use a spirit level to make sure it hangs straight. For small pictures, you may not need a picture hook.

Sorting out a squeaky door

There aren’t that many things more irritating around the home than having a squeaky door or doors. There’s often the temptation to put off dealing with it, but in the end it could drive you and other family members up the wall.

It really is simple to deal with and immensely satisfying when you get rid of the problem. One method is to spray a little WD-40 onto the hinges of the door, putting some kitchen roll at the bottom to absorb any drips. Move the door backwards and forward as you spray so that the hinges are penetrated with the liquid and the job’s done.

As an alternative, you could simply rub the hinges with some cooking oil, again moving the door backwards and forwards as you rub it in, to get the same success story. Everyone will thank you for sorting out the problem, and that’s another easy job ticked off.

Install some window shutters

As your skills and confidence improve, you can look to one or two bigger jobs that will take more time but give you immense satisfaction when completed.

Wooden window shutters make a real difference to a room, allowing you to let in as much or as little light as you want, especially if you have shutters with adjustable louvres. Shutters can be made for any size or shape of window, and there are many styles to choose from. For DIY shutters, you need to measure your window size accurately, and when you get a kit from a supplier, follow the instructions carefully for fitting. Take the time to get the screws for hinges in exactly the right place on the window frame, and ask someone to help with holding them as you fit them in. Your spirit level will come in handy here so that you can ensure that the shutters fit together snugly when closed.

Bleed your radiators

Make your radiators more efficient by checking if air has got into the system. With a radiator key, open the bolt at the top, and when water comes out, caught by a towel, screw it back up again.

DIY is easier than you think

DIY doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with the simple, develop your confidence, and get the satisfaction of doing a job well.