Why DIY disasters cost Brits £1,500: The case for calling in the professionals

We surveyed 2,000 Brits to better understand the nation’s DIY habits. From improvised tools to costly repair jobs, our findings suggest that for many people, hiring a professional tradesperson is the safer, more cost-effective choice. Here’s what the data tells us – and why relying on a fully insured contractor is often the best route to take.

British DIY habits

Brits take on an average of nine DIY jobs each year, despite just 67% owning a toolbox, and with only 12 tools in it on average.

Confidence levels are low: 23% of people rate their DIY skills as “rubbish” or “terrible,” and 13% admit they rely on online tutorials to get the job done. Unsurprisingly, DIY disasters are common – 72% of respondents reported at least one in the last year, with the average person experiencing five.

More than half (51%) ended up calling in a professional tradesperson to put things right. And in three-quarters (74%) of cases, fixing the problem cost more than what the original job would have done, with the average repair bill costing £1,555. In many cases, DIY proves to be a false economy.

Unusual DIY tool substitutes

Three-quarters (74%) of people admit to attempting DIY without the correct equipment. More than half (65%) said they’d used household objects in place of tools – on average, eight times each.

Here are some of the most common improvisations:

• 71% have used a kitchen knife as a screwdriver
• 63% have used scissors to trim a hedge
• 40% have used a credit card to spread grout
• 38% used the dinner table to paste wallpaper
• 37% used a kitchen bowl to mix wallpaper paste
• 36% tried fixing leaky pipes with sticky tape
• 33% used a broomstick to clear gutters
• 32% used Tupperware to mix filler, a rolling pin as a hammer, or a spoon to dig out weeds

66% said they’ve ‘eyeballed’ a shelf or picture to check it’s level, with 72% convinced it was straight despite not using a spirit level. While misaligned wall art might be harmless, DIY without the right tools can quickly lead to serious safety or financial issues.

The value of professional protection

Taking initiative around the house is great, but cutting corners can be risky. A professional tradesperson brings the right tools, skills and insurance to every job, helping avoid the steep costs often involved in fixing failed DIY.

Any reputable professional you hire should have the right business insurance in place for their trade. Generally, this will at least include:

• Public liability insurance – to protect the homeowner and their belongings
• Employers’ liability insurance – to cover their team against accidents
• Professional indemnity insurance – to safeguard the advice they give

From electricians to painters, sole traders to larger firms, we always recommend that tradespeople invest in insurance tailored to their work. It protects their livelihood and gives customers peace of mind, too.

Don’t risk costly DIY mistakes.

Call in a professional with the right protection – and get the job done right first time. At Premierline, we help tradespeople find the right insurance for their business, so they can focus on delivering the highest quality of work for their customers.

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