Home Maintaining Is Out, Home Entertaining Is In

The Anti-Diy Generation:

The stereotypical image of bank holiday weekends spent with a paintbrush in hand is shattered, as Greenbee can reveal a backlash from 20- and 30-somethings to time spent doing-it-yourself.

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of people in the UK claim they never or rarely (less than once a month) dabble in DIY themselves, with 65 per cent of those in their twenties and 58 per cent of 30-39 year olds demonstrating an aversion to home maintenance and repairs. Scots are the least likely to pick up a paintbrush (75 per cent) compared to a DIY-focused East Midlands where 28 per cent say they do home maintenance on a weekly basis.

Despite many people having a dislike for DIY, when given the choice of options regarding which aspects of their home they would like to change, over a third (37 per cent) felt the interior décor of their homes was in need of improvement.

It is precisely the group least likely to be found doing DIY for whom improving the home interior is most important, with almost half (46 per cent) of 20-somethings stating this is the aspect they would most like to change about their homes. Those in the West Midlands are most likely to want to change the décor (51 per cent), compared to just 32 per cent in Wales, where people seem most content with the way their homes look.

However the minority of people who will be looking to spruce up their home may well be in for a nasty shock, as Greenbee can reveal the DIY activities that could put you on shaky ground.

The home clearly plays a pivotal role in people’s lives, and it is no surprise they will want to ensure their property is protected. Yet those wishing to attempt some home maintenance or improvements this or get professional help - need to ensure they’re not left out of pocket in the event of a bank holiday DIY blunder.

The convenience of giving a tradesman your household keys or alarm code could compromise your security and if this results in you being a victim of a domestic burglary you could be left out of pocket.

Those people looking to spruce up their homes themselves may understandably think they’re covered by their standard home insurance policy for any basic DIY disasters - such as a paint spillage on the floor or a foot put through the ceiling during a loft clear out - but this may not be the case. It is vital people check their policy small print before they pick up that paintbrush, to ensure the things they care about are covered and they’re not left exposed to a costly pay out.

It’s also important to remember that the more adventurous who are tempted to tinker with the bigger jobs, such as fixing their home electrics or leaky roof could be left vulnerable - insurance providers will not pay out for any damage as a result of work you’re not properly qualified to do. You may want to save money, but it is advisable to get in the professionals rather than attempting to go it alone, so you’re not left with a hefty bill in the event of something going wrong.”

Entertaining At Home:

One in five people in the UK feels their home is a social hub with 21 per cent saying they like to entertain guests in their home at least once a week, with almost a third (31 per cent) doing so on a monthly basis.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of those in their thirties say they take on the role of party host at least once a week, with one in five (20 per cent) of 20-29 and 50-59 year olds also claiming to have company on a weekly basis.

Those in the West Midlands are the most hospitable, with over a quarter (29 per cent) entertaining guests at least once a week. Not so their East Midlands neighbours, where only one in eight (14 per cent) will invite guests over to be wined and dined at their home on a weekly basis.

Four out of 10 (40 per cent) Scots and Londoners like to entertain in their home at least once a month, while people in Wales and the North East are the least likely to invite people over for a friendly get together, with 58 per cent saying they never entertain guests at home or do so less than once a month.