DIY tutorials on YouTube are causing people to attempt potentially dangerous jobs themselves, a survey reveals.
Some jobs, such as installing domestic electrical equipment including sockets and switches, should only be done by registered and trained tradespeople.
But the poll by DIY chain Toolstation found 44% of respondents had taken on more challenging DIY jobs during the last six months.
Just over half had tried to install sockets or switches, and 34% of people had done bathroom plumbing work.
Upgrading or refitting a kitchen was attempted by 8% – which could prove lethal if they wrongly install a gas oven which by law must only be fitted by a registered gas engineer.
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While skilled DIY-ers can carry out wet plumbing, jobs such as electric and mixer shower fitting require a professional.
The popularity of how-to videos is driving the trend, with 62% of people saying they looked up tips on YouTube.
Another 15% relied on image-sharing site Pinterest, while 8% searched on Facebook and 6% turned to Instagram.
The study also surveyed tradespeople and found that in the last six months more than half – 53% – had been called out to fix botched and potentially dangerous jobs that should be carried out by a qualified worker.
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Greg Richardson, of Toolstation, said: “As we spend more time at home it’s the perfect chance to look at small jobs that you might have been putting off, and channels like YouTube are invaluable for carrying out simpler tasks.
“But our figures show that a growing number of people have taken on really complex jobs like wiring and plumbing.
“When it comes to these projects it is vital that homeowners rely on trade experts.”
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