21st March, 2006
Home insurance companies are set to field increasing numbers of claims for DIY ventures gone wrong, as men and women aim to outdo each other in home improvement expertise.
New research from Halifax reveals that 25.3 million British females believe themselves to be the best at DIY in their household, with 2.5 million women who live with boyfriends or husbands claiming to take responsibility for the majority of home improvements.
Northern women showed themselves the most committed, with 20 per cent of those who live with their boyfriend or husband doing DIY around the house, compared with 16 per cent in the Midlands and 17 per cent in the South.
However, the survey shows strong male resistance to the trend, with just four per cent admitting their partners do the majority of DIY work and only seven per cent conceding that the lady of the house possesses greater home improvement skills.
Vicky Emmott, senior underwriter at Halifax Home Insurance, said: 'DIYers, whether they are 'Handy Andys' or 'Handy Mandys' should make sure that they are covered for any potential mishaps and avoid damage to the property or themselves when undertaking home improvements.'
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