Attitude towards DIY – exclusive WhatHouse? survey 

The majority of respondents were female (64%), with just over a quarter of those who took part in the survey aged between 30 – 39, and nearly a third (30%) between the ages of 40 – 49. 40% of those surveyed own their property with a mortgage, and 30% own property without a mortgage.

Earlier research done by McCarthy & Stone suggests that people are calling in outside help for DIY jobs, and our research showed that just over 40% of respondents would call in a professional for help, although turning to partners and family for help were the most common answers. For those people who hired professionals, nearly a fifth found them online, and 63% went by a friend’s recommendation.

Painting or wallpapering was the most popular improvement, with 60% of respondents saying they would be doing this in the next 12 months. This was followed by landscaping the garden (32%) and installing new floor s (25%). 1% said they were planning to build a swimming pool or Jacuzzi, and 5% said they had no plans to do anything.

WhatHouse? wanted to know more about the actual DIY process, so we asked respondents how they learnt DIY. Half of those surveyed said they used online guides, and a quarter said that they would just work it out themselves. 20% use books and magazines, and just 3% said they would turn to a DIY store for advice. 

It's clear that DIY and home improvements are a big part of home life, whether it is to put your own personal stamp on your home or if you’re hoping to increase the value of the property.