DIY home improvements are on the increase
If your man just happens to be good with his hands, (we’re talking plumbing here) then you should cling onto him girls because, according to new research, labourers are the most romantically sought after men in the UK.
The days of the metrosexual are over; it’s now all about the retrosexual – the man who can. Because a survey carried out by Homebase found that over two thirds of women have admitted they think the likes of plumbers, builders and electricians are their ideal life partners over doctors, lawyers, bankers or teachers.
Less than one in ten women said they would consider someone in banking and financial services as an ideal life partner. Instead, with the economic downturn, nearly half of women said the ability to do DIY would make a man more appealing.
When it comes to the attributes that women look for in their men, the survey found that DIY and decorating skills were deemed even more important than good looks. But it seems women are also taking matters into their own hands when it comes to being handy round the house. Half of women polled said they are more likely to tackle the DIY themselves in the current economic climate.
Builder, property developer and TV presenter, Craig Phillips, set up the largest independent construction-training centre in the Northwest. Craig says: “It’s good to know that having DIY skills is appreciated. There’s something everyone can learn to do and being able to do your own repairs or redecorating is not only a good way to save some cash but it also gives a sense or pride and achievement that makes the end result even better.”
The Homebase research also revealed a big gap in skills amongst would-be DIYers. Around two thirds of people don’t know how to fix a dripping tap, nearly half don’t know how to hang wallpaper and three quarters of people can’t fix a lock.
As a result, Homebase has launched a series of free instore and online ‘How To’ guides, providing guidance on over 30 of the most popular projects tackled by the nation, including putting up shelves, hanging doors, painting walls and laying a patio.
So it looks like this Easter will be a very productive one!
FemaleFirst: Fiona Haran