Will bank holiday weekend mean disaster for DIY-ers?

A fifth of the county’s population is planning to embark on a DIY project this bank holiday weekend, with a worrying number attempting to save cash by undertaking tasks best left to professionals.

The research from the Echo’s property website www.FindaProperty.com revealed that rather than hiring a professional, people are planning on undertaking ambitious tasks themselves such as electrical wiring, plumbing and even roof work.

Unsurprisingly, 11 per cent of the 1,000 people surveyed admitted to having already suffered a DIY-related injury, suggesting this weekend could be fraught with DIY disasters.

The financial cost of home improvement seems to be a priority for homeowners, as more than half of those people surveyed said they were going to attempt their own DIY tasks purely for the fact it is cheaper than hiring a professional.

However, Earl Taylor, director of Electix Celutions correct Limited in Lincoln, said DIY tasks can often fall victim to a false economy illusion.

“Attempting your own electrical wiring, for example, is not something we would recommend,” he said.

“There are legal requirements for all wiring in the home to be tested by a certified professional. There’s a charge to test and, if it fails, there’s the charge of undoing the mess and getting everything put right.

“It might not sound like it, but it can be cheaper to just get a professional in to begin with.”

Mr Taylor said he has never tested a DIY job that has met the requirements to pass inspection.

“There are so many requirements and regulations when it comes to installing your own electrics and you are not going to know them all unless you are an electrician by trade,” he said.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents spokesperson Carl Christopher said the charity organisation was not against people carrying out DIY tasks on their own, just as long as they remember their own limitations and abilities.

“People think they can handle any task given to them,” he said. “When really, we overestimate our own abilities and underestimate the time and skills needed to take on a task.

“It’s best to take care and think things through, especially if people are hiring power tools. If there’s ever anything you’re of, make sure you get the right advice.

“Getting things done right can spare you a lot of grief in the long run.”

In light of the research, home improvement store B&Q syas it is gearing up for its busiest August bank holiday yet.

Nationally, the retailer is expecting to sell more than 40,000 rolls of wallpaper, 22,000 screwdrivers, and 100,000 paint brushes.