• One in six consumers would call themselves a ‘DIY disaster case’, with one in five needing help to change a light bulb
• DIY skills weaker amongst younger generations
• One in five Brits has injured themselves or someone else whilst undertaking DIY
• Brits DIY damage costs UK a collective £688 million in last 12 months
With the traditional Bank Holiday DIY season now upon us, one in six (17 per cent) consumers would call themselves a ‘DIY disaster case’ and one in five (20 per cent) need help changing a light bulb, according to the latest research[1] from Santander Insurance.
Although men remain confident in their DIY skills overall (56 per cent against 37 per cent of women), the study shows DIY gender stereotypes have been turned on their head with one in five British men (19 per cent) identifying themselves as ‘DIY disaster cases’ compared to 15 per cent of women.
Younger generations are more likely to get to grips with computer programming than DIY. A third of those aged 18 to 34 (35 per cent) say they are not confident hanging a picture on their own, two thirds (64 per cent) are not confident bleeding a radiator, and despite many probably being familiar with their local IKEA store and its wares, nearly half (46 per cent) say they need help assembling flat pack furniture.
Indeed, younger people cause the most expensive damage while carrying out DIY tasks, with those aged 18 to 34 averaging a £251 damage bill compared to the UK average of £195. Older generations appear more adept at DIY than their younger counterparts – with almost half (43 per cent) of 18 to 34 year olds believing their DIY skills are worse than their parents.
Regardless of age, overall, in the last 12 months, seven per cent of Britons have damaged their home whilst attempting to do it themselves, with an average estimated repair bill of £195, or a collective £688 million[2]. Some 14 per cent of those who have caused DIY damage were faced with a bill of over £500.
Table: top 10 home improvements that Brits are confident doing themselves, without help from anyone else:
Total
Male
Female
Changing a light bulb
80%
79%
81%
Hanging a picture
73%
78%
69%
Painting and decorating
66%
71%
63%
Assembling flat pack furniture
62%
67%
57%
Bleeding a radiator
58%
65%
51%
Unblocking a drain
49%
57%
41%
Fitting a new plug socket or light fitting
37%
52%
23%
Fitting a new washing machine or dishwasher
33%
48%
19%
Landscaping the garden
32%
40%
24%
Fixing a leaking tap
29%
44%
14%
DIY disaster has turned into injury for one in five (21 per cent) UK adults who admitted that they have caused injury to themselves or others whilst doing DIY at home. This rises to over a quarter (28%) for men and falls to 15% for women.
Alan Mathewson, Head of Santander Insurance, said: “Basic DIY is an important skill for all, so it’s surprising to see that so many say they are not confident changing a light bulb on their own. Our research suggests that younger people are less knowledgeable than older generations when it comes to DIY, though for those who haven’t picked up tips from their parents while growing up, there is a wealth of online tutorials available now to enable them to catch up.
“Whilst DIY is a good way to save money, more complex tasks such as electrical and building work are often best left to professionals. Our advice to anyone attempting home improvements is to be realistic about whether they have the skills and the time to undertake such a task, and to take all the necessary precautions to avoid injuring themselves. It is also essential that you make sure that you have insurance that can give you the right amount of cover for the sort of DIY you ordinarily do. Consider taking extra Accidental Damage cover if you are a more active DIYer, so your home and its contents are covered if things don’t go to plan.”
Regionally, those in London are the most confident about their DIY skills (59 per cent) compared to only 37 per cent of adults in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Notes:
[1] Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,002 UK adults from 8th – 10th April 2014. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. According to ONS figures, the UK adult population is 50,371,000.
[2] Santander’s research shows 7 per cent of people have caused damage to their home doing DIY with the average repair bill amounting to £195. (50,371,000*7%)*£195 = £687,564,150