NEWS
A quarter of Brits don’t do the DIY jobs they promise their partner they will
Updated 06/26
New figures have been released by Checkatrade, the platform for trusted tradespeople, revealing that a quarter of Brits (24%) fail to complete the home improvement jobs that they’ve promised their partner they will get done.
Little white lies
A third (32%) of Brits fib to their partner about having the correct skills to handle a home improvement job
Unfinished jobs causing arguments
DIY procrastination is causing relationship friction amongst UK couples, with nearly one in five (17%) admitting unfinished jobs lead to arguments
Checkatrade Express to the rescue
To help Brits out, Checkatrade launches Express as the ultimate fast-track solution
Many Brits are setting themselves up for failure by exaggerating their DIY skills in the first place. In the study, 32% confess they have lied to their partner, claiming they could tackle a DIY task they definitely didn’t have the skills to handle.
Why do so many jobs forever remain on the to-do list?
Of those who admit they fail to finish tasks, 41% say they simply kept putting it off, 35% confessed that the longer the list grows, the more they tend to put it off, and 33% blamed their lack of tools and knowledge.
A further 24% also pointed to a lack of time, while 21% admitted the list had become so long it felt overwhelming.
As the research demonstrates, this is having a real impact on relationships. Over a quarter (26%) of Brits say they find it hard to fully relax at home with unfinished tasks looming, and 23% report that it causes genuine anxiety and stress in everyday life.
When it comes to romance, DIY delay is a major passion killer: 17% of Brits admitted that unfinished home improvements have resulted in full-blown arguments with their partner, while 15% say it causes ongoing friction in their relationships.
Enter the ‘Secret Service’ for DIY jobs
To help Brits clear their conscience and secure maximum brownie points without the hassle, Checkatrade is launching Checkatrade Express. Rather than letting unfinished tasks linger, consumers can use the service to book quick, fixed-price jobs instantly - taking the stress and guesswork out of home maintenance.
The quick and easy service is the perfect way for Brits to get jobs ticked off - whether or not they want to let their partner know they called in the professionals!
Indeed, almost half (44%) of Brits admit they would gladly bring in a professional to get a lingering task ticked off their list.
When asked what would motivate them to hand these jobs over to a trusted professional, the reasons were a mix of peace of mind and modern romance:
45% want to finally clear their overwhelming to-do list
38% want to reduce the guilt and stress of unfinished jobs
29% want to avoid an argument or criticism
22% want to genuinely impress their partner or housemate
Jack Steiner, General Manager of Checkatrade Express, commented:
"Our research shows that home procrastination is creating real stress and relationship friction across the UK - but calling in a professional shouldn't feel like a shortcut; it's simply the smart way to look after your home.
Today's consumers expect every service to be instant, seamless and, above all, trusted. Checkatrade Express brings those same expectations to the trades industry. We're transforming how people access tradespeople - offering instant bookings, fixed-price jobs and secure digital payments, all backed by our trusted vetting process. No hassle, no haggling. Just reliable help when you need it, giving Brits back their Bank Holiday weekends, their time and their peace of mind."