| By :
Martin Hofschroer
Millions of British homeowners are risking their property and their lives by undertaking complex DIY jobs, according to a new study. Research by Santander Insurance UK and Liverpool Victoria Home Insurance revealed that eight million people are attempting electrical, plumbing and structural work without the help or advice of qualified tradesmen. In excess four million people have undertaken electrical work while three million have attempted plumbing and 1.3 million have carried out structural work such as removing walls. Joanne Davies, managing director of YesJob, said that it is vital that homeowners avoid undertaking dangerous DIY and employ a tradesmen who is professionally accredited and qualified. People need to hire electricians who have passed the City & Guilds NVQ 2330 Level 2 and the NVQ 2356 level 3 course as well as the relevant Part P courses and 17th edition courses. Homeowners should employ plumbers who have completed the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2 and also the NVQ level 3. Those looking to install renewable power appliances in their homes should choose plumbers who have passed green energy courses and are familiar with technologies such as ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. "There's a real need for quick, easy access to affordable, reputable trades people. There have been so many horror stories about rogue traders that homeowners feel justifiably nervous about getting work done professionally," Ms Davies added. Under qualified individuals who attempted DIY caused an average of £350 each in damage to their homes which resulted in them spending £331 million to correct the errors, according to the research. Performing DIY disasters is likely to lead to financial failure as it can reduce the value of a home and possibly invalidate a house insurance policy. People who are intent on doing DIY should enrol on tiling courses, decorating courses and plastering courses in order to avoid injuring themselves and damaging their property. Once homeowners have the appropriate ability and skills they can find that DIY brings great emotional benefits, claims the author of a new book. Made by Hand, Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World writer Mark Frauenfelder explained that he found fulfilment after undertaking DIY tasks for twelve months. He said: "[DIY] has changed me. It's opened me up to the idea that making things is a way to challenge and reward myself." Professor Geoff Beattie, head of school and dean of psychological sciences at Manchester University, has said that DIY gardening is good for people's health and wellbeing.
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