The rise of DIY disasters: Is social media to blame?

Research from Direct Line business insurance found that 90% of UK tradespeople have reported a rise in call-outs to fix or finish off botched DIY jobs. But what has caused this increase?

Why are DIY disasters on the rise?

With the continuing cost of living crisis, many people are looking for cheaper ways to get things done. Market researcher Appinio found that 49% of Brits choose DIY rather than hiring a professional as a way to save money. However, Direct Line’s research found that, on average, it costs UK homeowners £919 to fix or finish their botched DIY job. On top of the cost of any tools and materials they may have already bought, this is far from the bargain solution that people have in mind.

It’s interesting to note that there was a huge spike in interest in DIY during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the search term “DIY” hitting peak interest in April 2020. UK decorating and DIY retailers also saw a spike in revenue in 2020, up almost 30% from the previous year. While interest has dipped slightly in recent years, it remains high compared to pre-pandemic levels, and seems to be on the rise again.

Is social media causing this increase?

According to Direct Line’s research, 85% of tradespeople believe that the surge in people taking on ambitious projects is due to the rise of “DIY” videos on social media, while 57% of homeowners who have started DIY jobs say they were influenced by media or social media.

A search for “DIY” on YouTube brings up around 191 million results, covering everything from upcycling crafts to electrical installations. While YouTube has been the go-to source for how-to videos since 2005, TikTok, which only launched in 2016, still brings up 97 million hits for “DIY”. This suggests that the creation of this type of content has been increasing, and its prevalence on short-form platforms such as TikTok and Instagram could mean a shift to less suitable formats and more impressionable audiences.

In the digital age, the sharing of information has never been easier, which is great in terms of sharing knowledge and educating people on a wide variety of topics. However, there’s little to no policing of the safety and accuracy of the content posted on websites and social media platforms. This leads to the spreading of misinformation and can cause dangerous situations when people try to replicate what they’ve seen online.

How to avoid a DIY disaster

While some DIY projects are fairly low stakes and can be carried out safely by amateurs, others can pose significant risks. It’s particularly important to be vigilant when working with hazards like gas or electricity. If your project involves any form of wiring, make sure that you understand how to do DIY electrics safely, and never take on anything that’s out of your comfort zone.

Here are some safety tips to avoid disaster:

– Familiarise yourself with the current Building and Wiring Regulations

– Use a cable detector to check for wires in your walls before starting any DIY work

– Always use the correct tools and safety equipment for the job

– Ensure that all tools and equipment are in proper working order

– Make sure the property is fitted with an RCD to automatically cut the power in the event of an electrical fault

If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and hire a professional to take care of the job for you. As well as giving you the peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and to the required standards, many tradespeople offer guarantees on the work they carry out, and have comprehensive insurance should something go wrong.

How to find a trusted tradesperson

Despite the potential safety risks, most people in the UK don’t check for an ID badge or affiliation with a recognised accreditation scheme when they hire an electrician. Make sure you know what to look for when hiring an electrician, and compare a few different traders before making your decision.

Here are some key considerations when choosing a tradesperson:

– Always get at least three quotes for any work you intend to have carried out

– While word of mouth can be great for a recommendation, remember that it doesn’t always mean that the tradesperson is qualified or accredited

– Look for an electrician who is registered with an Electrical Competent Person Scheme Operator

– Check that the electrician is a member of the Electrical Contractors’ Association

– Check whether they have public liability insurance to protect you and your home should anything go wrong

It’s also important to learn how to spot a rogue trader, as this will help you to avoid hiring someone who will leave the job unsafe or unfinished. Recognising the signs of a rogue trader can also save you money, as unscrupulous people may overcharge for the job or leave you in need of expensive repairs to fix their poor workmanship.

We understand that homeowners will carry out DIY electrical work in their own home, however we would always strongly recommended hiring a registered electrician. Or are you interested in learning how to become an electrician? Take a look at the electrical courses we offer!