BRITONS will spend more than £2.5 billion* on DIY this Easter, a new study reveals today. And the population will spend more than 100 million hours over the Easter period doing painting, decorating and other home improvements, according to the independent study commissioned by the UK's largest insurer Norwich Union.
BRITONS will spend more than Ł2.5 billion* on DIY this Easter, a new study reveals today.
And the population will spend more than 100 million hours over the Easter period doing painting, decorating and other home improvements, according to the independent study commissioned by the UK's largest insurer Norwich Union.
Two in three householders carry out DIY around the home, with most people doing it to save money or for their own enjoyment.
The survey also shows:
- One in three householders is planning to do DIY around the house this Easter
- DIY enthusiasts will fork out an average of Ł399 - and spend around 17 hours - doing improvements to their home over the Easter break
- Two in five people who do DIY admit it results in arguments between themselves and their partners
- A fifth of people who do home improvements have injured themselves as a result - and one in 20 says their DIY efforts have done more harm than good to their home.
Nick Pierson, head of household products for Norwich Union, said: "Many DIY enthusiasts will make the most of the Easter break by making some kind of improvement to their homes.
"Some do it simply to save money. Others for their own enjoyment, perhaps inspired by the many DIY and lifestyle programmes currently on the television.
"One of the real pitfalls DIY enthusiasts face is accidentally damaging their home or property when doing DIY. Only half of people have this cover but it is relatively inexpensive - not much for DIY peace of mind. Additionally, if people buy new furnishings or items as part of their DIY work, we strongly advise they check their new purchases are covered by their insurer."
To help people protect themselves this Easter, Norwich Union's top six DIY tips for homeowners are:
- Take care when using heat - especially if you are working in a confined space, like a loft. Avoid using blowlamps and blowtorches, as many fires start this way
- If it's a big job, you may want to consider adding accidental damage cover to your buildings and contents insurance policies
- Be careful to cover furniture and carpets when painting, as they may only be covered by your insurance if you have accidental damage cover
- If you've made a vast number of improvements to your home and bought new things, check your insurance is still adequate. You may need to increase the level of cover to allow for the work or new purchases
- If you're unsure of how to do a DIY job, call in the experts. It's better to get it done properly, particularly if you aren't covered for faulty workmanship
- Be careful, new Government figures show there are 99,000 injuries every year in DIY-related activities, of which 40,000 involve ladders.
For more details on Norwich Union insurance services contact Norwich Union Direct on 0800 888 222 or your insurance broker.
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Notes to editors
* Source: Office for National Statistics Population Trends Spring 2000 and Norwich Union independent research (as below)
Norwich Union commissioned Taylor Nelson Sofres to conduct an independent survey of more than 1,000 adults. The survey was carried out in February 2001.
Norwich Union Insurance is the UK's largest general insurer - insuring one in five households.
CGU plc and Norwich Union plc merged on 30 May 2000 to create CGNU plc, the UK's largest insurance group and one of the top-five insurers in Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's sixth largest insurer based on gross worldwide premiums.
CGNU's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide premium income and retail investment sales from ongoing business of over Ł27 billion and assets under management of more than Ł210 billion.
From October 2000, the combined life and pensions, general insurance and retail fund management businesses in the UK operate under the Norwich Union brand, while the institutional investment business operates under the Morley Fund Management brand.
For further information contact Jane Wheeler or Matthew Buchanan at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Liz Nicholson/Lucy Haughey at Norwich Union on 08703 666868