The average Joe on the street attempts to fix a problem before hiring a professional more often than you think. We all like to think we are a dab-hand when it comes to DIY, but some of us don't know the difference between a hammer and a mallet.
We wanted to share the top DIY issues shared by tradespeople in the industry. A massive 68% of people have admitted that they tried to fix something in their own home or asked a friend to give it a go. Let's see what some of the worst are.
Every now and then, some homeowners decide that there's no point in hiring a trained professional to come and decorate their home, fix a pipe or change a plug socket. In fact, just over two-thirds of people dust off their tools and decide to give the job a go. What's the worst that could happen, they think?
The tool giant Toolstation surveyed hundreds of customers and found some of the top reasons they attempt to fix something themselves. Right off the bat, most people say that saving money is the main reason. With the average time-served tradesman or woman earning between £100-£300 per day depending on their trade, it doesn't surprise us that people think the right option is to have a go themselves. The problem with this is that you are more likely to cause more damage and ultimately have to fork out more money.
The older generation is likelier to try something, most probably due to their 'have a go' nature. Many older age groups have worked in hands-on jobs which require problem-solving. The problem is you can't just solve a leak on your own or a home rewire. Interestingly, younger generations are also keen to get their hands dirty, with around 69% happy to have a go.
Other reasons people gave for trying DIY are that they believe it will save time (impatience) and for pure enjoyment.
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By far and away, the most common issues revolve around plumbing.
Getting yourself a new kitchen or bathroom isn't exactly pocket change. More often than not, you’re looking at a hefty spend. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that people try to cut corners and install these rooms themselves. The trouble is, it takes a trained professional to make sure everything is right and above board. This is, of course, a bigger job, so not everyone is attempting DIY of this nature, but tradespeople across the country regularly share some pretty bad jobs.
Customers who mess up the installation of a kitchen will most likely see their costs double. According to Kitchen Fitters it may take one day to fit a new kitchen, whereas it's likely to take a day to rip out a DIY bodge job in addition to another day to fit one correctly in its place.
The general person on the street probably doesn't realise that messing up a minor DIY job that involves plumbing could end up costing an arm and a leg. Panic and fear can ensue when you find a leak, so it makes no surprise that people decide to try and quickly fix it themselves.
It's been found that around 70% of people try to fix a leaky radiator on their own. This will most likely set you back around £180-£200. However, it's best to keep in mind that should you do something wrong; it would be much more costly to get a plumber to come and fix the mess you made.
One of the more prevalent mistakes shared by tradespeople includes the installation of appliances. These can range from ovens, radiators, showers and taps. People believe these to be relatively easy jobs, and they can follow a tutorial on YouTube. Sadly, Plumbers and Electricians wouldn't need to spend four years training if it were that simple.
According to Toolstation, people attempting to install small appliances were the cause of the second-highest mistakes, which resulted in a tradesman or woman having to be called out to fix the mess.
Plastering is a significant part of ensuring your painting and decorating endeavour go well. A smooth, bump-free wall allows the paint to apply smoothly and the wallpaper to stick easily.
Plastering, decorating and painting is another top area that people attempt DIY. When it comes to these jobs, prep is key. Plastering is a tough gig, to say the least, and requires patience. The same can be said for wallpapering. The average Painter and Decorator will ask for between £150-£200 per day, and any work that is incorrect or needs putting right will ultimately take longer and cost you more in the long run.
As we conclude this post, you have to ask yourself, is it really worth it to have a go at some aspects of DIY yourself? With the cost implications and time it can waste, you are better off just calling a local tradesperson.
If you are a self-employed tradesman or woman, we recommend taking the time to research and purchase a sufficient insurance policy for your business. The team at Rhino Trade Insurance have developed specialised insurance options for almost every trade, including Painters & Decorators, Plumbers, Electricians and more.
To get an idea of what your business can protect and how much it will cost, contact the Rhino team on 0116 243 7904 or head to our website and get a quote here.
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