BANK holidays are traditionally the time when homeowners catch up on DIY jobs but recent figures suggest the skills are DIY-ing out.

Research from Halifax Home Insurance shows confidence in undertaking many home improvement tasks is lower among young people.

While more than half (55%) of over-55s are confident they can put up wallpaper, only 28% of 18 to 24-year-olds feel able and while 83% of older people said they can paint, only 64% of under-24s felt confident doing so.

Even simpler tasks, such as changing a light bulb, flummox some younger householders, with less than three quarters (73%) of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they could do it compared to 95% of over-55s.

Senior claims manager, Martyn Fould,s said: “It seems that DIY skills are fading with each generation, which is a worry, as home improvements can easily go wrong for those who don’t know what they are doing.

"We’d recommend homeowners check they have the right tools for the job, avoid taking on too much and call a qualified tradesman for gas and electrical work.”

Last year, Halifax Home Insurance recorded more than 32,000 accidental damage claims, while more than £1 million was paid out in accidental damage claims in August alone. In total the insurer paid out over £11 million for such claims last year, with each costing an average of £339.

According to the Halifax Home Maintenance Monitor, 70% of homeowners prefer to tackle simpler DIY tasks and nearly a quarter (23%) admitted they ask their parents for help with home improvement jobs.

Halifax Home Insurance recommends householders check their home insurance policy before embarking on a DIY project and consider whether they need to add accidental damage cover.

Halifax offers the following tips to help those planning to DIY this bank holiday weekend:

  • Preparation is key - make sure you have all the correct tools and equipment for the job before you start to avoid coming unstuck later on.
  • Plan a budget beforehand and stick to it.
  • Call a professional for jobs involving gas, electrical or plumbing work. When choosing a tradesman, ask for references and certificates to demonstrate that they are competent.
  • Contact your insurer if any work is being carried out which might alter the structure or layout of the home, such as an extension or garage.
  • For major building works, you might need to seek planning permission.

Accidental damage to some parts of the home, such as sinks, baths and ceramic hobs, is included in many home insurance policies but it is worth considering purchasing additional accidental damage cover to protect against common DIY mishaps, such as spilling paint, drilling through pipes or putting feet through ceilings.