The British are spending more on DIY

British private households spent ten per cent more on do-it-yourself projects last year. The total expenditure of GBP 5.5 bn – approximately GBP 200 per household – is made up of GBP 1.1 bn for materials and GBP 4.4 bn for tools and accessories. In the previous year, the total expenditure was stagnant. These figures originate from Lloyds Bank’s home maintenance survey.
Despite the growth rate, the turnover is considerably lower than a decade ago. The total volume is nine per cent below the value from 2004 (GBP 6.1 bn) and 19 per cent under the highest value of GBP 6.8 bn recorded in 2007. In fact 35 per cent less was spent on materials in 2014 in comparison with a decade ago. However, on a ten-year comparison, the expenditure for tradesmen’s services has increased by 20 per cent to GBP 1.4 bn.