One in three young people call dad before tackling DIY problems

New research has found that a generational gap is developing when it comes to DIY and fixing household problems. A survey from Plumbernow.co.uk has found that more than one in three under 35s admit that they call dad before trying to fix a problem themselves.

 

Would you tackle DIY yourself or would you call a expert? We look at the choices.

 

Three quarters of under 35s cant change a fuse

The research from lumbernow.co.uk found that seven in ten adults aged under 35 would need to call in assistance to turn off their water supply in an emergency, compared to only a fifth of over 55s. Three quarters of under 35s cant bleed a radiator or change a fuse.

 

The survey found that the older age group were also more likely to shop around for quotes, were less likely to be ripped off by a rogue tradesman and have a better understanding of the language that workmen use.

 

DIY accidents account for thousands of home insurance claims every year. Halifax recently reported that they had over 32,000 accidental damage claims in 2013, many of which were DIY-related such as spilling paint or drilling through pipes. In total the insurer paid out over 11 million for accidental damage, with each claim costing an average of 339.

 

According to the Halifax Home Maintenance Monitor house holders were more likely to carry out aesthetic DIY work such as painting, decorating and assembling furniture than tackle maintenance issues such as clearing gutters or repairing fittings and cracks.

 

“May bank holiday is a key time for home owners to dig out their tools and indulge in a spot of DIY. But even with the best intentions things can go wrong from time to time, which is why checking that you have the right level of buildings and contents cover is a small investment which can provide extra peace of mind, said Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance.

 

For more specialist jobs involving gas, electrical, plumbing or structural work, its essential to call in the experts, otherwise home owners risk invalidating their home insurance policy”, he added.