The survey also reveals that Scots spend the least on their tools (£273.97), yet a whopping 88% of them own a toolbox.  In comparison, those in the Midlands spend the highest amount, with an average toolbox and contents setting them back £401.81.

Welsh homeowners have the largest number of unfinished DIY tasks in their homes, with an average of three jobs left to complete, while householders in the South West are the most DIY savvy, having completed an average of four jobs in the last year.


Generational Differences
The study also highlights a massive generational gap when it comes to basic DIY know-how. More than a quarter of 20-25 year olds have revealed they have no idea what a monkey wrench is (27%), whereas just 8% of those aged 54 and over, had the same problem.

The older generation is also more willing to get stuck into household repairs with 70% of over 54’s claiming they can confidently complete simple tasks themselves. By comparison, only 12% of under 35’s stated the same. The vast majority of homes owned by the over 54’s (90%) have a toolbox, but nearly a third (32%) of those owned by under 25’s do not. This contrast in DIY knowledge is heightened by the fact that more than half of younger people (58%) admit that they rely on the help of an older relative to complete household repairs for them. This lack of DIY knowledge also looks set to grow  further in future, with more than a quarter (27%) of respondents saying that they have not taught their children how to complete household tasks.


Gender Differences
Despite women demonstrating a better understanding for the use of DIY gear, with an average of 86% knowing the use for common tools compared to 83% of men, less than 10% say that they would feel confident completing simple DIY tasks, in contrast to 30% of men. Females are also much more intimidated by DIY shops than males, with 35% of women confessing that they find DIY shops unsettling.

Home Channel Head, Clare Laycock says: Our TV channel Home is dedicated to helping the nation’s householders develop their DIY skills to maintain their homes and ultimately save them time and money. It’s staggering how much cash we spend on simple household tasks that could be spent elsewhere. Our Seize the DIY campaign on TV and online will show Brits how straightforward it is to do it themselves, as well as being fun, cheap and very rewarding. We want to build a nation of DIY Heroes throughout 2011!

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