Home improvement skills fading with each new generation

Bank holidays are traditionally the time when homeowners catch up on DIY jobs, but figures suggest these skills are DIY-ing out.

Research from Halifax Home Insurance shows confidence in undertaking many home improvement tasks is lower among young people.

While more than half (55%) of over 55s are confident they can put up wallpaper, only 28% of 18-24 year-olds feel able, and while 83% of older people said they can paint, only 64% of under 24s felt confident doing this.

Even simpler tasks such as changing a light bulb flummox some younger householders, with less than three quarters (73%) of 18-24 year olds saying they could do this compared to 95% of over 55s.

Senior Claims Manager, Martyn Foulds said: “It seems that DIY skills are fading with each generation, which is a worry as home improvements can easily go wrong for those who don’t know what they are doing. We’d recommend homeowners check they have the right tools for the job, avoid taking on too much and call a qualified tradesman for gas and electrical work.”

Last year, Halifax Home Insurance recorded over 32,000 accidental damage claims, while more than £1m was paid out in accidental damage claims in August alone. In total the insurer paid out over £11m for such claims last year, with each costing an average of £339.

According to the Halifax Home Maintenance Monitor, 70% of homeowners prefer to tackle simpler DIY tasks, and nearly a quarter (23%) admitted they ask their parents for help with home improvement jobs. Halifax Home Insurance recommends householders check their home insurance policy before embarking on a DIY project and consider whether they need to add accidental damage cover.

Halifax offers the following tips to help those planning to DIY this bank holiday weekend:

Preparation is key – make sure you have all the correct tools and equipment for the job before you start to avoid coming unstuck later

Plan a budget beforehand and stick to it

Call a professional for jobs involving gas, electrical or plumbing work. When choosing a tradesman, ask for references and certificates to demonstrate that they are competent

Contact your insurer if any work is being carried out which may alter the structure or layout of the home such as an extension or garage, etc

For major building works, you may need to seek planning permission

Accidental damage to some parts of the home such as sinks, baths and ceramic hobs is included in many home insurance policies, but it is worth considering purchasing additional accidental damage cover to protect against common DIY mishaps such as spilling paint, drilling through pipes or putting feet through ceilings.