There are many things that have emerged as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, from a rise in global forex trading to a significant increase in the prevalence of DIY tasks being performed in the home.
Due to increased remote working in the UK and the furloughing of certain job roles during lockdowns, people have been more inclined to undertake those pesky DIY tasks that have been troubling them for years.
But what were the most popular DIY tasks undertaken, and what steps can you take to complete these successfully?
What are the Most Searched for DIY Tasks Online?
According to a survey carried out by SGS Engineering (which canvassed the opinion of 1,000 homeowners), a massive 79% had set themselves at least one New Years’ resolution relating to improving their property at the beginning of 2021.
Of this number, one-third (32%) said that they had committed to more DIY tasks because they had been spending more time around their home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had, in turn, caused them to see the various issues and faults that needed fixing.
The survey also delved into the relevant online activity of people at home, in order to determine which tasks were the most searched for and popular through 2020.
Interestingly, ‘how to wallpaper’ was the most popular relevant search term, with average monthly search entries of 123,500 during the reporting period. ‘DIY kitchen’ was the second most popular search term with 116,900 entries, while ‘DIY decorating’ was next in line with a total of 96,100 monthly searches on average.
This search activity also seemed to correlate with the wider survey findings, with almost half (46%) of respondents saying that they were planning to redecorate at least one room in their home.
At the same time, 16% and 15% said that they would be focusing on their kitchens and bathrooms respectively, with these improvements known to add significant value to the home when done well.
How to Carry Out DIY Tasks Successfully
Interestingly, the pandemic was also at the epicentre of a house price boom in 2020, as demand continued to rise at a disproportionate level to demand, with this encouraging aspiring vendors to seek out ways of actively improving their homes and successfully adding value.
However, adding value requires you to operate sensibly and efficiently, so here are some tips to keep in mind when undertaking DIY tasks.
- #1. Create a Fixed Budget: While it may be tempting to create a list of tasks and then creatively tailor your budget accordingly, this is a great way to spend more than you can afford. Instead, focus on setting an exact and clearly defined budget from the outset of your project, while ensuring that this is measured against any potential value that you hope to add to your home. This ensures a fixed and manageable spend that optimises any potential ROI.
- #2. Be Selective About Your DIY Tasks: Many of the most popular online searches revolve around relatively simple tasks such as wallpapering and painting, which are largely unskilled and ideal for DIY enthusiasts. However, you’ll need to seek out the skills of qualified and accredited tradespeople when dealing with electrics or home heating, as this will help you to strike the ideal balance between safety and cost-effectiveness.
- #3. Make the Most of Free Online Sources: Even when carrying out relatively simple tasks, you may want to utilise free online resources if you’re a bonafide DIY novice. Fortunately, sites such as YouTube are home to millions of reputable, step-by-step tutorials across an array of DIY tasks, from drilling and wallpapering to putting up interior shelves. Make no mistake; these resources can make a huge difference, by providing a visual guide that allows you to operate in a logical and efficient manner.