Brits Opt For Diy Home Improvements In A Bid To Save Cash

9/3/09

With Easter traditionally being the busiest weekend for home improvements, research from Yorkshire Bank reveals that 71% of Brits are planning on doing it themselves this year. 

According to Yorkshire Bank’s quarterly Housebuyers Report, only 5% of those surveyed plan to move home this year so many are planning to improve their current home instead.

The research also revealed that Brits are taking a prudent approach to their improvements with over 61% of those surveyed planning to undertake their own home improvements rather than hiring in professionals.

And some of those who have previously relied on the qualified workmen are now planning to undertake the work themselves with 10% now opting for the ‘Do It Yourself’ option.

However, the Yorkshire Bank has a word of warning for those about to embark on a DIY project with the research also finding that 15% of DIY projects can take months to complete with 8% never getting finished at all.

A further 13% underestimated the cost of their DIY with 11% having to redo the job or hire in a tradesmen to repair the damage.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s Retail Director, said: “Easter is the start of the DIY season as people start to repair and renovate their homes for the summer and in the current economic climate, it would seem many homeowners are planning on saving cash by putting in some hard graft themselves.

“Unfortunately, sometimes accidents do happen and that’s why homeowners should ensure they have adequate insurance before starting any major renovations or DIY projects.”

Yorkshire Bank’s Home Insurance gives homeowners peace of mind with Home Emergency Assistance included in every policy and automatic contents cover up to £50,000.  Yorkshire Bank’s emergency helpline is available to customers 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.