Homeowners 'battling unfinished DIY projects'
Date: 22/05/2008 12:00:00
More than seven million British households could be battling unfinished DIY projects which can drag on for
up to ten years, research shows.
Figures from Halifax Home Insurance show Britons are failing to fit in time to complete jobs, with bedroom
renovations the most common uncompleted ventures.
The firm has even coined the phrase 'NERDs' for the phenomenon, saying homeowners are living with 'Never Ending
Renovation Dramas'.
Head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance David Rochester said: "Budgeting effectively and being realistic
about the time it will take to complete it can save significant heartache."
The firm also said people taking on sizeable DIY and renovation projects risk invalidating their
home insurance if they
take on complex electrical, plumbing or building work they are not trained to complete.
Research also showed a quarter of families affected have ended up arguing over the unfinished work, while some even
avoid inviting friends round because of the upheaval.
Earlier this week the National Home Improvement Council advised homeowners not to take on complicated projects to
save cash as the credit crunch takes hold.