DDIY - Over 50s don't do it yourself

Despite the credit crunch the house-proud over 50s are refusing to compromise when it comes to making improvements to their home. Research conducted by Saga Home Insurance reveals a quarter (24%) of over 50s never carry out DIY work themselves, with one in four (25%) opting to employ a tradesman to ensure the job is done professionally. A further 47% of cost-conscious over 50s rope in their partner or a family member to help out with handyman jobs.

However when DIY jobs don't quite go to plan, one in five (21%) under 50s have had to call in the professionals to fix a botched DIY job compared to only 10% of the older generation.

However, the physical dangers of DIY are also apparent as nearly a third (31%) of the over 50s have incurred an injury whilst carrying out DIY in their homes, with 3% even requiring hospital treatment.

Andrew Goodsell, Executive Chairman, Saga Financial Services, comments "Homeowners should check they have accidental damage cover as part of their home insurance, just in case their DIY dreams turn in to DIY disasters."