DIY know-how lost by “Do It For Me” generation


DIY know-how lost by “Do It For Me” generation


Home maintenance and improvement know-how is being lost through the generations as grown-up children turn to mum and dad for help with their DIY, according to new research from Aviva.


More than half (55%) of empty-nest parents are called upon to help with improvements at their children’s homes, carrying out jobs that would cost around £1,280 a year if undertaken by a professional.


Parents surveyed typically spend 51 hours a year working for children aged 20 to 40 and living in their own homes, with the toolbox of mum and dad most frequently called upon for garden maintenance (47%), painting (46%) and building and assembling furniture (34%).


Some even call on parents to help with bleeding radiators (9%) and changing light bulbs (8%).


It also appears that the “Do It For Me” generation is in no hurry to learn tasks for themselves – if unavailable, 42% of parents believe their children would leave jobs until they are around and 40% believe they would hire a tradesman rather than tackle the task themselves.


Commenting on the findings, Aviva’s director of home insurance, Heather Smith, says: “While the majority of us cherish our homes and take pride in making them our own, it seems the knowledge and willingness to take on these tasks ourselves is diminishing over time.”


Tags: , ,


Category: Aviva News, Home Insurance News, Insurance News






Loading