Dodgy Diy Lowers House Prices

DIY enthusiasts are in danger of lowering the value of their homes by undertaking substandard home improvements, according to a new study.

Research by LV revealed that a worrying number of homeowners confessed to having completed construction work on their property despite not being properly qualified and without professional help or guidance.

Insurance firm LV found that 27 per cent of people have attempted electrical jobs, while 22 per cent have tried their hand at plumbing work and nine per cent have had a go at structural improvements, such as removing walls.

John O'Roarke, managing director the insurance company, said that many homeowners are attempting to raise the value of their property with DIY improvements because of the global economic downturn.

LV also found that people are prepared to put their lives at risk by attempting gas work, which should be left to fully qualified, Gas Safe registered professionals who have completed the appropriate gas training courses.

Mr O'Roarke said: "With house prices falling or stagnating in some parts of the UK, it's understandable that many homeowners should try to bump up the value of their properties through DIY home improvements.

"But although nine out of 10 people in our survey recognised that jobs like gas work should only be left to the professionals, nearly 500,000 Brits are still prepared to give it a go."

People can take basic tiling courses, decorating courses and carpentry courses in order to improve their domestic skills but complex work must always be undertaken by a fully qualified professional.

DIY fanatics may want to pursue their passion and change their career to become a plumber, electrician or construction worker.

People wanting to become an electrician will need to undertake the City & Guilds (2330) Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology levels 2 and 3.

Other electrical courses which people will need as they progress are 17th edition courses and the City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing.

Technical certificates are essential electrical courses as they cover the theory and practical skills needed to move on into the electrical industry and towards NVQ qualification.

Plumbing courses that people need to complete in order to become fully qualified include the City & Guilds 6129 Technical Certificate Level 2 and Level 3 and the City & Guilds Plumbing Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering Services - Plumbing (Domestic).

Thisismoney.co.uk recently reported that the typical self-employed individual is an over-35 qualified tradesperson who has completed plumbing courses and decorating courses.

by: Martin Hofschroer

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