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A new nationwide survey by Barratt Homes has unveiled a shocking truth about the UK's relationship with DIY. The study revealed that nearly one-third of consumers confessed they didn't know how to mend a dripping tap or fix broken tiles, with many shying away from household chores altogether due to a lack of knowledge.

The results highlight an increasing confidence gap when it comes to basic home maintenance, according to the company. Indeed, the survey discovered that a significant number of people were more likely to replace household appliances than attempt a repair - often at a hefty cost.

Barratt disclosed that only a quarter felt confident undertaking home maintenance. Nearly 30% of participants admitted they didn't know how to fix a leaky tap and a similar number struggled with replacing broken tiles or carrying out other minor repairs.

Numerous consumers avoided or postponed basic home maintenance tasks for fear of exacerbating the problem. Lastly, an increasing number of homeowners chose to replace rather than repair appliances.

Unfinished jobs

For some, the lack of knowledge on how to carry out repairs meant that household chores simply remained undone (15%). Alongside tolerating dripping taps and unstable toilet seats, almost four in 10 people steered clear of simple tasks such as cleaning their gutters.

Rhoddy MacKinnon, construction director at Barratt Homes, explained: "Autumn is notorious for fallen leaves and moss blocking gutters, which can stop rainwater from draining away from your house. Instead, it can pool on your roof and leak into your home through small cracks. These blockages can also create damp environments where insects and rodents can thrive."

Clearing gutters requires no expertise and can be accomplished with basic equipment - simply ladders and a trowel, Mr MacKinnon explained. Manually extract large debris using a trowel, depositing it into a bucket, then utilise a hose to flush the gutters and downspouts to locate any remaining obstructions.

The task that Britons dodge

• 37% - Cleaning gutters
• 27% - Leaky taps
• 25% - Replacing missing tiles
• 24% - Broken wobbly toilet seats
• 24% - Bleeding radiators
• 23% - Fixing a squeaky door or floorboards

Another neglected yet absolutely crucial job is bleeding your property's radiators.

However, Mr MacKinnon said: "It's a good idea to do this before the cold weather comes. You'll know when your radiators need bleeding, as the bottom half will become hot while the top remains cold. This is a 15-minute task which could make a massive difference to your home's heating and energy bills.

"Before you begin, the first thing you'll need to do is turn off your central heating and make sure the radiators are cool - this is incredibly important as you can easily burn yourself if you attempt to bleed hot radiators. You'll also want to identify the bleed valve, usually at the top of the radiator on one side. Have a bowl and towel handy to catch any water that escapes from the radiators.

"To bleed the radiators, use your radiator key and turn the bleed valve anticlockwise until you hear the hissing of air escaping. Once all of the trapped air has been released, the hissing will stop and water will begin to leave the valve, that's when it's time to close the valve again. After this, your radiator should work much more efficiently."

The predicament becomes even more dire regarding faulty appliances, with 38% revealing they are more inclined to replace rather than repair them because it represents "too much hassle". A mere 11% stated they would transport an appliance to a repair cafe where damaged items are mended free of charge by volunteers.

The vanishing craft of DIY

The findings mirror a wider shift in consumer habits, with younger property owners particularly delegating tasks that their parents might have undertaken themselves, Barratt said. A staggering 72% revealed they either employed a professional or requested assistance from a more capable family member for domestic tasks.

Whether owing to inexperience, time limitations, or straightforward doubt, DIY appears to be an increasingly vanishing craft, the firm said. Among those who professed to possess some DIY abilities, 50% indicated they had acquired these skills from their parents or other relatives.

Millennials and Gen Z are far more inclined to depend on YouTube and Google to discover how to undertake repairs. A paltry 8% of individuals have completed a DIY course, the survey discovered.

Mr MacKinnon said: "This survey highlights just how many people feel unprepared to tackle even the simplest of household issues. Knowing how to manage small repairs can save money and extend the life of appliances - and it's easier to learn than many think. DIY skills were traditionally passed down through generations, but that chain has started to break.

"Many people have never had the chance to learn by doing. Combined with busy modern lifestyles and a fear of 'getting it wrong', it's no surprise that so many people feel unsure about even basic home repairs. The good news is, with the right guidance, these skills are surprisingly easy to pick up."

The findings were based on a survey conducted by Barratt Homes, which involved 500 UK homeowners.

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