AI meets DIY...

...half of Brits turn to artificial intelligence for house repair advice.

New research by leading insurer, Aviva, reveals that half of Brits (50%) have turned to AI for help with home repairs or installations^[2].

Younger generations are leading the way with Gen Zs - 18-28-year-olds - being most likely to use AI for advice on home repairs (76%), followed by Millennials – 29-44-years-old - (74%) and Gen Xers – 45-60-years-old - (40%).

The tasks tackled under the guidance of AI range from simple fixes to complex jobs. Everyday activities include hanging up a picture frame (14%) and changing a lightbulb (15%), while some turn to AI for help with more advanced repairs involving electrical work (39%)^[3] and plumbing (58%)^[4].

According to the research, one in ten (10%) have turned to AI for assistance with rewiring a light fitting or replacing a socket, while 8% have even tackled repairing or replacing a fuse box or circuit breaker.

A further 58% have undertaken plumbing works, from fixing a broken or leaky tap (13%) or  pipe (9%), to installing a new dishwasher or washing machine (10%)^[4].

Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager, Home and Lifestyle at Aviva, said: “The new year is often a time when people tackle household tasks - from repairs and redecoration to decluttering - and it’s fascinating to see so many turning to artificial intelligence for help. Although it’s great that AI is enabling successful DIY fixes, caution is key for more complex jobs - such as repairing a burst or frozen pipe – especially if you’re new to DIY.

“Some jobs, especially those involving gas or electrical work, should only be undertaken by a registered and trained professional to ensure work is done correctly and adheres to safety regulations.  

“While AI can help with more simple jobs, mistakes can be costly, with our research showing some homeowners have spent up to £500 correcting errors. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to call a professional.”

Other complicated repairs or installations include fixing a boiler (11%), cleaning a chimney (6%), fixing a burst or frozen pipe (5%) and installing a new bathroom (5%).

More than two thirds (70%) of Brits successfully completed the task with the help of AI, which may explain why 83% say they’d be willing to use it again for future repairs and installations^[5].

However, 7% were unable to complete the repair^[6] and 17% stated they wouldn’t turn to AI again^[7]. Mistakes can also be costly, with more than one in 10 (13%) spending between £250-£499 to fix failed attempts.

-ends-

References:

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,002 nat rep consumers (18+). The data was collected between 27.11.2025 - 01.12.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. [↑]}

^2. _{Combining responses ‘Yes - on multiple occasions’ and ‘Yes – once’. [↑]}

^3. _{Combining responses ‘Changing or re-wiring a light fitting’, ‘Rewiring or replacing a socket’, ‘Replacing or repairing a fuse box or circuit breaker’, ‘Fixing or replacing an extractor fan or kitchen hood’, ‘Replacing an electric shower’, ‘Fixing a boiler’, and ‘Installing a new dishwasher or washing machine’. [↑]}

^4. _{Combining responses – ‘Unclogging a drain’, ‘Fixing a broken or leaky tap’, ‘Changing a tap’, ‘Fixing a broken toilet’, ‘Fixing a broken or leaky showerhead’, ‘Fixing a broken or leaky pipe’, ‘Fixing a burst or frozen pipe’, ‘Installing a new dishwasher or washing machine’, and ‘Installing a new bathroom myself’. [↑]}

^5. _{Combining responses ‘Yes - for minor works’ and ‘Yes - for major works’. [↑]}

^6. _{Combining responses 'No - AI guidance helped, but I was not successful’ and ‘No - I was not successful, and AI guidance did not help at all’. [↑]}

^7. _{Combining responses ‘No - but I would consider it if an improved AI was available’ and ‘No - and I would never consider using AI for this again’. [↑]}

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