DIY skills 'fading with each new generation'
Published: 26 August 2014
DIY skills are dying out, according to new research, which shows confidence in undertaking many home improvement tasks is lowest among young people.
The study by Halifax Home Insurance reveals that while 55% of over-55s are confident they can put up wallpaper, only 28% of 18-24-year-olds feel able. And while 83% of older people said they can paint, only 64% of under-24s felt confident with this job.
Even simpler tasks such as changing a light bulb flummox some younger householders, with just 73% of 18-24-year-olds saying they could do this compared to 95% of over-55s.
Senior claims manager with Halifax, Martyn Foulds, said: "It seems that DIY skills are fading with each generation, which is a worry, as home improvements can easily go wrong for those who don't know what they're doing.
"We'd recommend homeowners check they have the right tools for the job, avoid taking on too much, and call a qualified tradesman for gas and electrical work."
Halifax says 70% of homeowners prefer to tackle simpler DIY tasks, and 23% ask their parents for help with home improvement jobs.