DIYers 'need advice' before starting

25/05/2009

People undertaking DIY projects such as gates repairs should get advice before starting, it has been suggested.

Such people should also check and then re-check measurements before committing to work with a drill or saw, according to the AA.

The organisation gave out its advice after revealing that 38 per cent of Brits were due to spend more time at home doing DIY over the bank holiday weekend.

It warned that one in ten would see their amateur DIY projects go wrong, which could cost more than £100 to correct.

"We always see an increase in claims for DIY disasters after bank holiday weekends," commented Simon Douglas of AA Insurance.

AA research showed that 42 per cent of women respondents said they spend their time doing DIY jobs such as decorating and gardening, which may include garden gates improvements.

A separate study by Sainsbury's Home Insurance last month revealed that an estimated 65 per cent of British adults have performed DIY tasks over the last year rather than employing a professional.