Homeowners in Britain spent a cumulative amount of £22bn on DIY projects during the past 12 months, according to a new investigation from Sainsbury’s Bank.
In addition, the data shows that 79% of property owners carried out at least one DIY task during the last year. These tasks ranged from repainting floorboards and putting up shelves to larger projects, such as converting an attic or room space. Those that carried out a task during the period spent an average of £1,085 each.
Improvements
Further data from the survey shows that 66% of adults plan to carry out some forms of DIY in the next year. The most popular area of a house to be earmarked for renovation in the coming 12 months was the garden, followed by a bedroom and the kitchen.
Research from Sainsbury’s bank showed the DIY projects earmarked in the next year by area of house are:
| Room / area of house | Percentage of adults planning to undertake some form of DIY here in the next 12 months |
| Back garden | 26% |
| Bedroom | 25% |
| Kitchen | 22% |
| Bathroom | 20% |
| Living room | 20% |
| Drive / front garden | 13% |
| Property exterior e.g. roof or windows | 8% |
| Dining room | 7% |
| Communal areas and stairs | 5% |
| Study | 3% |
| Basement or attic | 3% |
| Other | 2% |
Simon Ranson, Head of Banking at Sainsbury’s Bank said, ‘whether you’re painting, wallpapering or tiling, the cost of DIY projects can soon add up; a credit card offering no interest on purchases is a good way to spread the cost, keeping within your monthly budget.’[2]
[1] https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2015/9/right-to-rent-seeing-lawful-tenants-refused-housing