UK 'bottling' it when it comes to DIY

• 3.3 million Brits admit to drunken DIY in the last year alone
• Nation’s capital tops the Direct Line drunken DIY table
• 1.3 million admit to using heavy gym equipment whilst under the influence
   

According to new research from Direct Line home insurance, it appears some of us are more ‘Brandy Andy’ than ‘Handy Andy’ with 3.3 million1 people admitting to have undertaken DIY or home improvements, despite having consumed two or more alcoholic drinks. This amount of alcohol, would take many people over the legal driving limit.

The research reveals that even after two drinks many of us still remain confident in our ability to undertake home improvements, despite the fact that the amount of units consumed is likely to affect our judgement, our abilities, and ultimately our safety.

People in the nation’s capital are the worst offenders with an incredible one-in-seven (14 per cent) Londoners admitting to committing drunken DIY.

The Direct Line Drunken DIY table

Men are considerably more partial to ‘beers on the job’ with over one-in-ten (11 per cent) admitting to ‘drunken DIY’ compared to just 3 per cent of women.

The highest percentage of drunken DIY offenders are aged 18-34, with 10 per cent confessing to ‘inebriated improvements’. Worryingly, 8 per cent (1.1 million) even admit to using heavy gym equipment despite having had a few drinks.

Paul Braithwaite, home insurance claims manager at Direct Line, comments: “Home improvements can often mean using heavy machinery, sharp tools or even hazardous liquids. These are dangerous even when sober, so when our research revealed just how many are participating in drunken DIY, we were especially concerned.

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks at home, but DIY whilst over the limit is an unnecessary risk. Not only are people more likely to injure themselves, but the probability of making a costly mistake is also much higher. Home improvements can be tricky at the best of times, which is why a clear head, plenty of time and a big dose of patience are an absolute must.”

Ends

Notes to editors 
1 Study conducted by Opinium Research 4th – 7th January 2013 amongst 2013 UK adults. Results have been extrapolated up based on applying the percentage of UK adults in the nationally representative survey to the number of adults in the UK (50371000) according to the ONS population projections for 2013. The term ‘very rarely’ refers to use of the item less than once every six months.

For further information please contact:
Chris Wilson 
Citigate Dewe Rogerson 
DirectLineGroup@citigatedr.co.uk 
0207 282 1087

Claire Foster
PR Manager
Direct Line
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk 
020 8285 8682
07900 217 264

Direct Line

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