$380 million lost through DIY mishaps
New research has found that while 75 per cent of us will attempt a repair or a renovation, one in five have made a mess of their attempt.
These mishaps have resulted in over $380 million spent on tradesperson repairs, according to a new Gumtree Tradies Trends Report, even while 83 per cent have put off property repairs due to the cost or inability to find the time.
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“Problems around the home are often made worse by unskilled homeowners attempting what should be left to a qualified tradesperson,” said Renovating for Profit’s Cherie Barber.
“It may seem like a good idea at the time, but it can result in a more costly project and devalued property if work is not carried out correctly.”
In total, $3.8 billion was spent on trades over the last year, with the average household spending at $960.
The quality of the work was, however, said to be more important (78 per cent) than the cost (58 per cent) as a sought-after factor – while both were said to be important.
The ability to describe the problem was noted as important to 43 per cent of respondents, while 32 per cent said that a most desired trait is that they clean up after the job.
Electricians, plumbers, general handymen, gardeners and carpenters were in highest demand, while carpenters, tilers, plumbers, gardeners and electricians were the most expensive.
According to the survey, most are now sourcing comparative quotes, saving them up to $561 per job, and nine out of ten aren’t convinced that paying a hefty fee necessarily equates to quality.
For those looking to source tradies, 54 per cent now head online, citing convenience, the ability to source someone locally, reading comments by others, greater choice and cheaper deals as the main reasons for this.
