DIY damage costing millions
Published On 12 October 2007
Homeowners in the UK are causing millions of pounds worth of damage because they think they can recreate the improvements they see on DIY television shows.Research carried out by Halifax found that property makeover programmes have inspired 750,000 people to damage their homes - to the tune of £350 million, or £484 on average each time.
The study found that home decoration shows seem to have a lasting place in Britons' hearts, as 12 million people said that a TV programme had inspired them to undertake some DIY in the last five years.
"It all looks so simple on TV, making it easy to forget that the work on makeover shows is being carried out by highly trained and skilled professionals," said Vicky Emmott from Halifax.
"But if you don't know what you’re doing we'd advise anyone planning any major improvements that DIY should really stand for Don't Involve Yourself."
A recent study from Saga found that 31 per cent of people carry out home improvements simply to improve the way their property looks, rather than for any practical reason.
