Younger homeowners may have fewer practical skills than their parents, but they are far more determined to see a job through to the end, according to new research by Nationwide Building Society.
The study, based on a survey of more than 2,000 adults, found that while many Britons believe the art of do-it-yourself is fading, Generation Z and Millennials are less likely than older age groups to leave projects unfinished.
Britain’s largest building society commissioned the research as part of its focus on housing habits, particularly among first-time buyers, to whom it lent more than any other lender last year.
SHIFTING SKILLS
Three in 10 people think younger generations are losing their DIY knowhow, a view most strongly held by Baby Boomers, 40% of whom believe practical knowledge has not been passed down.
Even Generation Z doubt themselves, with 41% admitting their skills are limited. Millennials, by contrast, are more confident, with only 19% agreeing that their handywork has declined.
The most common explanation for the skills gap was the lack of inter-generational teaching, cited by 40% of respondents. A similar share said manual skills are no longer prioritised, while others blamed the decline of practical education or the ease of hiring someone else to do the work.
PERSISTENCE PAYS
While less confident, younger adults appear more tenacious. Generation Z, aged 16 to 28, reported that incomplete tasks linger for only three to four months on average – the shortest period of any generation and roughly half the national average of just over seven months.
Millennials typically take six months, Generation X more than ten, and Baby Boomers almost eleven. One in ten Britons admitted to leaving DIY jobs unfinished for a year or longer.
WHO HOLDS THE TOOLS
Almost a quarter of Generation Z respondents said their parents remain the household DIY experts, while around three in ten Millennials and Generation Xers defer to a partner or spouse.
INVESTING MORE IN HOME IMPROVEMENT
Despite their relative inexperience, younger adults are spending more money on DIY. Millennials spent an average of £1,123 over the past year and Generation Z £1,014, compared with £794 for Generation X and £444 for Baby Boomers.
Nationwide said the lower figure among older homeowners likely reflects a lifetime’s accumulation of tools and experience.
NEW WAYS OF LEARNING
The most common tasks across all age groups include hanging pictures, painting walls and putting up curtains or blinds, but only 9% of Generation Z and Millennials have ever bled a radiator, compared with more than half of Baby Boomers.
When it comes to learning, YouTube has overtaken the traditional instruction manual as the main source of guidance, used by 46% of those surveyed. Almost a third still turn to family for advice, while Generation Z are just as likely to consult TikTok as YouTube. Millennials, meanwhile, also use Facebook and Instagram for practical tips.
Carlo Pileggi, Nationwide’s head of mortgage products, said: “As the nation’s second largest mortgage lender, we’re really interested in how people turn their houses into homes.
“Our research suggests DIY skills and knowledge are not being passed down to younger generations – but while Gen Z and Millennials might not be doing as much handywork as previous generations, they’re spending more and finishing what they start.
“Forget dusty manuals and an old toolbox; today’s how-to comes from TikTok hacks and YouTube tutorials.”
