New poll reveals Brits aren’t afraid to get stuck in with their home improvements, as 93% have tried their hand at DIY jobs but they don’t always go to plan.
Brits have shelled out over £5 billion to skilled tradespeople to rectify their bungled DIY efforts.
A survey of 2,000 individuals revealed that a whopping 93% have tried their hand at tasks such as fitting pendant lights, re-plumbing radiators, and even demolishing walls.
However, many of these attempts ended in failure, with 40% having to cough up an average of £239 to bring in professionals to sort out their blunders – totalling a staggering £5,082,996,813 nationwide.
Consequently, 69% confessed that, looking back, they should have steered clear of certain tasks and are now more wary about tackling larger DIY projects.
The study was conducted by NICEIC, the UK’s electrical certification and training body, which is urging people to rely on experts rather than attempting to do it themselves.
A spokesperson for NICEIC said: “Most of us have had an attempt at DIY, but it’s not always gone as planned.
“DIY going wrong can not only hit you in the wallet if there’s an issue, it can also be genuinely dangerous.
“This is particularly true when it comes to electrical work which really should be left to the professionals.”
In an average year, those who’ve had to summon a professional to salvage a job will do so twice, often finding themselves stuck midway or lacking the necessary tools.
Alarmingly, 43% have made hazardous errors while fixing their homes. These include causing a pipe to burst or leak (37%), experiencing an electric shock (31%) and falling off ladders or other heights.
A spokesperson for NICEIC commented: “DIY can be incredibly rewarding, but when it comes to jobs that involve electrics, the risks simply aren’t worth it.
“Calling in a professional ensures the work is done safely, correctly, and in compliance with regulations, protecting your home and your health.”