DIY OR DISASTER? HOMEOWNERS WARNED AS DIY BLUNDERS SET TO COST BRITS £539 million
Brits risk costly and dangerous DIY fails as experts reveal the home improvements you should leave to the pros this Easter bank holiday weekend
As the Easter bank holiday approaches, thousands of Brits will be reaching for their toolkits, eager to tackle home improvement projects.
But, the property experts at St. Modwen Homes, the national and award–winning housebuilder, are issuing a stark warning – some DIY jobs are best left to the professionals, or homeowners could face costly and even dangerous consequences.
With recent data revealing that 82% of UK homeowners have attempted DIY projects in the past two years, it’s no surprise that mistakes are on the rise. What’s more, the research shows that 22% of DIYers end up calling in professionals to fix their botched jobs, with an average repair bill of £919 – adding up to a staggering £539 million in unnecessary expenses each year.
The top six Easter DIY tasks you shouldn’t risk
Identifying and unveiling the six common DIY disasters that take place over bank holiday weekends, Alison Maclean, property expert at St. Modwen Homes, comments on why they should be left to the professionals to avoid costly mistakes:
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Electrical work – Attempting electrical repairs or rewiring without expertise can result in serious injury or even a fire. Certified electricians undergo years of training to ensure safety and compliance with UK regulations – so don’t think you are qualified after watching a YouTube tutorial! Depending on how severe the damage you cause is, you could be looking at thousands of pounds for a professional to clean up the mess2.
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Plumbing jobs – From replacing pipework to fixing leaks, amateur plumbing can lead to catastrophic water damage. One wrong move can turn a small repair into a costly disaster – fixing a burst pipe costs a whopping average of £2023 (and that’s just the pipe, not the water damage!).
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Structural changes – Knocking down walls or making alterations without professional assessment risks weakening your home’s foundations, leading to potential collapse or costly legal issues.
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Spray foam insulation – While it’s marketed as a quick and easy way to improve home efficiency, improper application can cause major ventilation issues, trapping moisture and leading to severe mould growth. Worse still, botched jobs can require complete wall replacements – which can set you back up to £2,5004.
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Garden landscaping with retaining walls – Many homeowners attempt to build decorative garden walls, but misjudging weight distribution or drainage can lead to dangerous collapses. Poorly built retaining walls have even been known to cause serious injury when they suddenly give way – and will cost you around £250 per square meter to repair once the damage is done.
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Floor sanding and refinishing – Renting a floor sander might seem like a cost-effective way to refresh your wooden floors, but improper use can lead to deep grooves, uneven surfaces, or even structural damage to older flooring. Many DIYers have had to replace entire floorboards after a sanding disaster – that’ll set you back around £80 per square meter for hardwood boards – plus the cost of installation, of course.
What’s more, the rise of TikTok DIY tutorials and YouTube home hacks has led to an overconfidence epidemic among homeowners. Admiral Home Insurance reports a 13% increase in DIY-related claims over the past year, with 75% of cases linked to decorating accidents.
When to call in the professionals
With that in mind, Alison urges homeowners to think twice before attempting DIY work beyond their skillset:
“Social media makes home improvements look easy, but the reality is very different. Tradespeople train for years to master their craft, and seemingly simple jobs can quickly go wrong. Attempting electrical work, plumbing, or structural alterations without the right expertise not only puts your home at risk (and invalidates the home insurance) but also your families’ health and safety.
“We’ve seen countless cases where a ‘quick fix’ has turned into a costly disaster, forcing homeowners to pay for expensive repairs that could have been avoided. If you’re not 100% confident in what you’re doing, it’s always best to hire a qualified professional. It may seem like an extra cost upfront, but in the long run, it could save you thousands and even prevent serious injury.”
So, as homeowners look to freshen up their abodes this Easter, St. Modwen Homes advises caution: not every task is a DIY job. While smaller projects like painting and decorating may be safe to tackle, electrical, plumbing, and structural changes should always be left to professionals.
To find out more about St. Modwen Homes’ award-winning sustainable homes, visit here.
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