DIY skills determined by DNA
If you put up wonky shelves or can't cope with flat-pack furniture, it might not be your fault. According to new research, you probably don't have the ‘DIY gene'.
The findings, from an experiment commissioned by Halifax Home Insurance reveal that two in three Brits lack the necessary spatial awareness to complete DIY tasks. This spatial ability is genetically pre-determined and cannot easily be learned, according to scientists.
The insurer estimates that £400 million worth of damage was caused last year by people who lack this characteristic.
To measure inherent DIY ability, researchers asked participants to complete specially designed multi-dimensional puzzles. These tests reveal innate understanding of shapes and mechanics, an ability not subject to ‘trial and error' learning.
And with male participants scoring higher in the experiment - it seems that men are indeed better ‘programmed' to carry out essential DIY tasks.
Psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson, designer of the experiment, comments: "Although there is not one specific ‘DIY Gene', spatial awareness is vital in understanding how shapes fit together and is therefore fundamental to DIY skills. Some people simply do not have the mental equipment necessary to manipulate shapes and will always struggle to complete DIY tasks successfully."
This lack of natural ability resulted in eight million botched DIY jobs last year, with wallpapering, fixing furniture and plumbing causing the most problems for hapless homeowners.
And it seems some of us simply aren't even learning the basics. One in four Britons say they've never learned to change a fuse (23 per cent) and almost half the population can't put up a shelf (45 per cent). Incredibly, one in 10 Brits can't even change a lightbulb.
The result is a nation reliant on tradespeople, with two fifths of Brits confessing they'd rather turn to a professional than try fixing the job themselves (40 per cent).
Commenting on the findings, Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance said:
"Britons shouldn't let their lack of confidence stand in the way of making home improvements. Even those who don't have DIY in their DNA can learn and practice their skills and sometimes this is half the fun.
"In doing so it's probable that an accident or two will happen, so it's important to ‘do it yourself' safely and ensure that you're covered for any damage you cause."
Halifax Home Insurance recommends homeowners check their home insurance policy before embarking on a DIY project. Accidental damage to some parts of the home such as sinks, baths and ceramic hobs is included in most home insurance policies, but it is worth considering taking out additional accidental damage cover to protect against common DIY mishaps such as spilt paint, drilling through pipes, or putting feet through ceilings.