BRITS FORKING OUT HUNDREDS ON DIY LOCKDOWN PROJECTS

As the bank holiday weekend approaches, Brits will no doubt be taking advantage of the extra day off to get into the DIY spirit, with some forking out hundreds of pounds to spruce up their homes.

New research by Confused.com found nearly three in four (72%) homeowners across the UK have or will be using the extra time during lockdown to make improvements to their home. And now popular DIY stores are opening back up, this weekend could see even more people heading out to stock up on home renovation ‘essentials’, with shoppers spending just under £200, on average. Although, for some homeowners, these renovations are costing a pretty penny, with almost one in ten (9%) planning on spending up to £500.

Lots of people will be easing their way into home improvements with some outdoor gardening, as more than half of homeowners (54%) take on painting fences and laying decking. But most commonly, people are planning to spruce up their interiors, as nearly three quarters (65%) of homeowner’s plan on painting and decorating. However, some DIY darers are planning to take on mammoth tasks, with one in ten (10%) trying their hand at plastering or laying flooring. While a further one in ten (9%) are attempting to fit a new kitchen or bathroom during lockdown, with the hopes of adding just over £1,500 to the value of their home, on average.

It can be easy for home improvement projects to get carried away and escalate into something a lot more complex, especially with the free time some people now have. According to our research, more than a quarter (27%) of homeowners say they will be carrying out DIY work due to boredom. But in contrast, more than a quarter (28%) say they’re more motivated to crack on with jobs because of being at home.

But some people haven’t ended up with the results they desired. Confused.com research found that nearly half (47%) of those have experienced mishaps while doing DIY. And given one in four (24%) claim they aren’t particularly confident about performing DIY, the weekend ahead could see a few injuries!

Annoyingly, almost one in ten (8%) have ended up with burst waters pipes whilst carrying out home improvement works or have accidentally knocked holes in walls, doors and floors. While worryingly, one in twenty (5%) have accidentally smashed a window.