Over-50s doing DIY?

30/06/2009

One in ten over 50 year-olds has undertaken major DIY improvements in their property such as extensive gates enhancements, according to a study.

However, 31 per cent have injured themselves in carrying out a DIY project, with three per cent needing to get hospital treatment, research from SAGA has shown.

One-quarter (25 per cent) of over 50s noted that they have employed a professional to perform the work for them, while 24 per cent have never carried out DIY work such as gates improvements.

"There are certain things which the average DIY person can do without any problem at all, but if they are talking about major projects ... then really they should involve a professional," commented Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council.

He added that bringing in a professional would be well-advised in such projects in terms of both the quality of the job and from a safety perspective.