Men do DIY ''out of duty''

18/03/2008

New research shows that men are not the natural DIY enthusiasts that popular belief suggests, with over a third disliking activities such as installing a towel rail and instead doing it out of duty.

A study commissioned by Halifax Home Insurance reveals that 37 per cent of men do not like DIY but carry it out anyway, while 32 per cent feel pressured to install and fix items around the house.

One of the reasons men could submit themselves to undesired tasks like fixing the towel rail could be to impress a partner, as 49 per cent of women responded they found DIY skills desirable in their men.

The study also warns of tackling large DIY tasks, such as installing a whole kitchen, without the necessary skills or tools.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager, says: "TV home makeover shows make it all appear so simple, and it's easy to forget that these are highly skilled professionals. We'd recommend using a reputable tradesman rather than going it alone."

Whether doing it because it needs doing or to impress their partners, the Easter weekend usually marks the start of the UK DIY season, with retailers report a jump in sales at this time of year.