DIY can often prove costly 
(17/04/2008)
A study by Yellow Pages reveals that UK adults spend on average one year of their lives carrying out home improvements, despite almost a third (29 per cent) admitting to starting jobs they aren’t equipped to tackle, can’t complete or messed up.
And, their misjudgements can often prove costly. The study of almost 1,500 people estimates that those DIYers admitting to blunders spend an average of £1,058 each on materials and service charges to rectify their mistakes, totalling £11.3 billion overall.
Additionally, it seems that only 17 per cent actually enjoy doing it themselves. The majority carry out DIY tasks due to perceived necessity (57 per cent), or to try and save money (38 per cent).
Of the 76 per cent carrying out DIY, many would attempt major projects such as laying a patio (26 per cent), installing insulation (23 per cent), fitting a kitchen (15 per cent) or changing a radiator (16 per cent).
Home improvement task % of people who would attempt task themselves
Wallpapering 61
Tiling 40
Put in light fittings 38
Laying a patio/decking 26
Installing insulation 23
Replacing guttering 17
Changing a radiator 16
Fitting a kitchen 15
Fitting a bathroom 15
Plastering 12
Clodagh Ward, consumer development director at Yell, publisher of Yellow Pages directories, said: “We know from our own data that DIY continues to be popular as DIY-related classifications in Yellow Pages directories are used on average 2.4 million times per month. It’s really surprising to see the scale of home improvements that people are prepared to tackle. Sometimes it may prove cheaper to call upon the skilled trades people for the trickier jobs in the first instance.”
The survey revealed that when faced with a disaster just 23 per cent seek expert advice. Two thirds (64 per cent) prefer to rely on family or friends to help them try and put things right, although women are more likely to do this than men (72 per cent of women compared with 51 per cent of men). One in seven men risk making the problem worse by attempting to fix it themselves.
For around one in eight disastrous DIYers, the consequence of a DIY fiasco goes beyond the financial, resulting in themselves or someone else requiring medical attention. Four per cent of those suffering DIY mishaps said their actions had actually devalued their homes and a further two per cent ended up separating from their partners.
Philip Bullman, chairman, National Association of Estate Agents, said: “As well as costing hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds for the professionals to put right, DIY disasters can end up devaluing a property. With the costs of moving currently so high, many people are choosing to stay put and are instead looking to improve their homes. While this can add value if done properly, we would encourage people to think carefully about the long-term implications of home improvement projects and to seek professional advice before they start. Their local NAEA registered agent can give offer advice on trades people as well as information on specific projects such as big kitchen-diners or home offices.”
Clodagh Ward added: “Yellow Pages helps people to make an informed choice when choosing a supplier. It provides information on the trade associations and professional bodies that our advertisers belong to, as well as offering advice tips from Consumer Direct on how to choose a tradesperson. This leaves would-be DIYers with more time to do the things they really enjoy instead.”
Top tips for homeowners before embarking on DIY:
- Will the project you’re considering add value to your home? Consult your local accredited NAEA estate agent to find out which features are most sought-after in your area. Big kitchen-diners are highly desirable in many areas for example. Also remember that in some areas, house prices will be capped at a value regardless of the home improvements you make – so adding a loft conversion, for example, will not increase value any further.
- Think carefully about all elements of the job you’re considering. You may have the budget and equipment to fit a kitchen, but what about the plumbing and electrical work involved?
- Be realistic when considering carrying out your own home improvements. Do you definitely have the equipment, knowledge, skills and time to complete the job properly?
- If you’re in any doubt on any of the above, call in the experts. You’ll find a series of tips and advice on choosing local tradespeople and useful local contact numbers in the front of your Yellow Pages directory.
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