Desperate Brits 'turning to DIY'

28/04/2009

Home improvement disasters are on the up in the UK, as hard-up householders pass up on professional help in order to save money.

Shock figures from Sainsbury's Home Insurance show that 30 million British adults - 65 per cent of the total - have done a painting, plumbing or tiling job themselves over the past year rather than get in a handyman.

In all, this group thinks they've saved around £49 billion in a year as a result.

However, Sainsbury's said that it thinks many of these tasks will have been high-risk and better handled by a professionals.

For example, 5.2 million people (or 11 per cent) said that they have carried out electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms and gardens.

Others have put in loft conversions and even rear extensions themselves - potentially damaging the structure of their home.

Joanne Mallon, manager at Sainsbury's Home Insurance, warned: "DIY is a great way to save money and the sense of achievement when the job's done can be tremendous, so don't ruin it by exposing yourself to calamity … make sure you use a registered electrician to carry out any major electrical works".

Tags; Budgeting Advice, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems, Recent Graduate Debt,

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