DIY decline

[GazTech]

There has been a vast decline of the DIY(do it yourself) market...people have begun to understand the value of skilled tradesmen.We now have a new DIY(do it for you)....this is a good atricle outlining this..............Gaz


DIY on the decline


Britain is no longer a nation of DIY-ers – we are increasingly asking somebody else to do it for us.

A study has shown that home owners are now far less likely to turn their hand to DIY than they were two years ago. Simple jobs, such as painting interior walls and assembling furniture, are among the most popular DIY jobs with Britons, the survey found.

However, almost every homeowner said they would prefer to employ a professional tradesman to do jobs around the home than to do it themselves, primarily because they require a high standard of work. These were the key findings from a survey from financial broker Hfs Group.

And with a kitchen refit adding up to £5,000 to the value of a home, it pays to call in the professionals.

“People today are much more savvy about what will and won’t add value to their homes, and employing home improvement professionals can often make them more money in the long run,” said Mila Bhatkar, research manager at Hfs.

“Paying a professional usually ensures the job is done more quickly and to a higher standard,” he said.

The Master Builders Association has provided the following tips to help you to find a quality tradesman.

• Ask for references and talk to previous customers. A good operator will provide you with credentials and references, so try to visit previous jobs similar to your own.

• Find out if the tradesman is a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria and make sure they really are a member.

• Get estimates from two or three different tradesmen. Be clear about what you want done and ask for a written specification and quotation.

• Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through – it will usually cost more and cause delays. Confirm any changes you do make in writing.

• Agree any staged and final payments before work starts.

• If any problems arise whilst work is in progress, or you are unhappy about anything, talk to your builder right away.

 

[Dave-T]

thats a good thing though. Its about time tiling was recognised as a skilled trade!!. For too long its been regarded as an 'easy job' and countless plasterers, plumbers and builders have undertaken tiling work and making a complete balls up of it. I've seen so many bad jobs from people who say "yeah, i can tile, no problem". They cant!. Tilings a skill, and only the best can really make a good job of it!. Respect to all those who can really tile. you know who you are!

 

[Pauly]

You do have to be careful though - I once went to look at a job and moaned about the workmanship only to be told it was the lady's dearly departed that had done the work! Stone and Crawl come to mind!

 

[Blasphemous]

only to be told it was the lady's dearly departed that had done the work!

Crikey!!! A Dead man tiling! Now that would be worth seeing :wink_smile:

 

[DHTiling]

good post gaz mate............dave..

 

[devonmark]

Crikey!!! A Dead man tiling! Now that would be worth seeing :wink_smile:

pmsl...

 

[CJ]

Youngsters today don't seem to want to learn about anything DIY-ish.

I was always helping my mum at decorating (Dad was hopeless) and then progressed from there.........always having a go at some task or other.

My son is going to be the same as most today:sad_smile: and not know how or why with anything Practical:sad_smile:

Todays youth will have to pay someone else........or if moneys tight...........have a go like the rest of us.........then pay someone to put it right:wink_smile: