Nearly half of Brits don't feel confident they could change a light bulb

03 January 2023 , 09:00

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Nearly half of Brits don't feel confident they could change a light bulb (Image: SWNS)

Hesitant Brits have revealed the top DIY tasks they wouldn't feel confident doing around the home – with just 54% trusting that they would be able to change a lightbulb, a study has found.

The top job Brits would avoid doing themselves is changing a radiator, with just one in ten (11%) believing they would be able to do so.

And only 17% would be willing to have a go at stopping a dripping toilet, while less than half (42%) think they are capable of sorting out a fuse.

The poll of 2,000 adults revealed that more than a third (37%) have attempted to take on a home maintenance or DIY job, only to get it completely wrong.

And four in ten get scared of DIY jobs that involve gas in any way, while 38% fear mains electricity.

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But three in ten (29%) didn’t know they could end up being left out of pocket because appliances are not as efficient as they should be.

Nearly half of Brits don't feel confident they could change a light bulb

And replacing a plug socket cover also ranks highly on the list of tasks Brits would struggle to do (SWNS)

Sunny Solanky, a service and repair engineer at British Gas, which commissioned the research, said: “There are lots of common faults around the house that are quite easy to nip in the bud before they become bigger issues – not to mention making sure everything is running properly, without using more energy than it needs.

“Intervention is often cheaper than replacement – but while the research findings suggest Brits could do a bit of upskilling when it comes to basic DIY, it’s important not to overestimate your own ability, especially when gas and electricity are involved.”

The study also found that, in the last 12 months alone, those who have botched a DIY job have done so an average of three times each.

But one in five have had something in their home go seriously wrong – like a boiler breaking – because they ignored a smaller issue for too long.

And half of those who are confident in their DIY skills admitted to putting off jobs they know they can do themselves.

For 45%, a lack of time stops them getting around to these tasks, even if they know they should – while 43% cite a lack of funds for supplies.

But 37% simply don’t enjoy doing the tasks, according to the OnePoll research.

However, almost half (49%) want to get better at looking after their homes themselves in 2023.

This is despite 39% confessing that, in general, they’re not particularly good at sticking to their new year’s resolutions.

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Sunny Solanky added: “Doing odd jobs and getting stuck into home repairs can actually be really satisfying – especially if you know what you’re doing.

“If there is a job you’re nervous about, ask yourself if you’re the right person for it – especially if it involves gas, running water, or electricity.

“If you’re not, don’t put it off – just bring in an expert to help.”

TOP 25 JOBS BRITS DON’T FEEL CONFIDENT CARRYING OUT: