DIY jobs you shouldn't attempt yourself (and those you can)

Doing it yourself can save a lot of money, but before you grab that drill, find out which DIY jobs experts recommend you don't tackle yourself.

We've asked Which? Trusted Traders to tell us which botched DIY jobs they are most commonly called out to fix.

Changing light fittings, wiring sockets and fixing leaks are among those that homeowners have unsuccessfully attempted, so you might be better off leaving them to a professional.

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The DIY jobs to avoid

With any DIY task, what is reasonable for you to attempt will depend on your level of skill and experience. While some people are more than capable of changing a washer on a tap, for others this could lead to DIY disaster.

DIY electrical and plumbing jobs seem to cause the most strife. The most common jobs that Which? Trusted Traders reported being called out to fix after a failed DIY attempt were: 

Electrical 

1. Replacing a light fitting
2. Changing/installing sockets and switches
3. Installing electrics in garages and sheds
4. Repairing/replacing home wiring
5. Installing an electrical appliance

Plumbing

1. Fixing a leak
2. Plumbing-in appliances
3. Plumbing-in a bathroom suite
4. Changing taps
5. Plumbing-in a kitchen sink

We also surveyed Which? members about the DIY jobs they had attempted. They corresponded almost perfectly with the jobs our Trusted Traders are most often asked to fix. 

The five most commonly attempted DIY jobs were: 

• Changing sockets or switches
• Replacing a light fitting
• Replacing taps
• Fixing blocked drains, pipes, or a toilet
• Plumbing in an appliance. 

If you are considering doing one of these jobs yourself, make sure that you know what you are doing – before you start!

Some appliance niggles are easier to fix than you might think. Discover how to fix common washing machine problems, common dishwasher faults and common fridge freezer issues.

Other DIY disasters

However, these most common issues aren't the only DIY disasters that Which? Trusted Traders reported needing to fix. We also asked them to describe some of the biggest or most obvious mistakes they had seen in a DIY job. 

The answers included:

• Light switch wiring: One homeowner's attempt at wiring in a light switch left them unable to turn the light off
• Radiator valve: When trying to repair a leak, a homeowner did not support their radiator valve, which meant they bent the pipe and created a much bigger leak
• Replacing a fuse for an oven: A homeowner used a 30-amp fuse for a 40-amp power supply, meaning it tripped when the oven was on full power
• Washing machine plumbing: During an attempt to install a plastic nut for their washing machine, the homeowner damaged their hose and caused a leak
• USB socket wiring: While installing a USB socket, a tenant connected the wires the wrong way round, which can cause damage to some electronic components and could be a safety hazard

DIY jobs that require a professional 

While it might be tempting to test your skills and avoid a trader call out, you should always steer clear of jobs that should only be completed by qualified professionals (unless you are one).

Some electrical jobs need to be signed off by local authority building control, including installing a new circuit or replacing a fuse box, unless it's done by a registered electrician who can sign off the work themselves.

We recommend you hire a registered electrician for all work that must comply with part-P regulations. If you don't, you must tell building control first (you can't start the work until you get the go-ahead) and pay a fee for an inspection. 

Similarly, any jobs involving gas should only be done by Gas Safe-registered engineers, so that you don't put yourself or others at risk. All gas businesses must be on the Gas Safe Register by law.

While plumbing jobs don't usually have the potential for dangerous errors that electrical or gas work might, DIY plumbing mistakes could still leave you with injuries or cause flooding and water damage in your home.

Re-considering whether or not you should attempt that DIY project? Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a professional in your area:

DIY tasks for beginners

For those who are new to DIY, it's important to stick to what you're comfortable doing and check that you have the materials and equipment to finish the job before you start work.

Allow yourself more time than you think you need to complete your project – tasks often turn out to be fiddly or have unexpected complications.

Jobs that most DIY beginners should be able to do include:

• Painting and decorating
• Bleeding radiators
• Straightforward draught-proofing measures
• Checking or topping up the system pressure on your boiler
• Regrouting tiles or resealing around a sink, bath or shower 
• Cleaning carpets, sofas and windows
• Putting up pictures or shelves
• Patching plaster after a rewire or minor damage
• Fixing some appliance problems, such as a cleaning a smelly washing machine 

But it's still important only to attempt jobs you have the skill and experience to take on. Always read the manufacturer's instructions on materials and tools before use.

Feeling inspired? Discover 12 DIY jobs you can do in a weekend and make sure you have all the toolbox essentials

How to stay safe when doing DIY

First, don't attempt anything you don't feel confident about – you risk damaging your home and yourself.

Make sure you have the necessary protective kit for the tasks you're attempting, for example:

• Eye protection when doing jobs that create dust or debris
• A dust mask for sanding or other jobs with products that give off small particles or fumes
• Gloves to protect your hands
• Sturdy shoes to protect your feet if you drop something on them.

Take care when laying dust sheets so that they don't cause any slips or trips, and make sure you know exactly where wires, gas and water pipes are before you take a hammer or drill to a wall.

Will your home insurance cover DIY disasters?

In general, home insurance will cover a range of unpredictable events, including any issues arising as a result of DIY attempts. 

However, you should always check the fine print before you attempt any work!

In 2023, Go.compare examined their latest claims data and found that accidental damage was responsible for 28% of claims made by homeowners in 2022. 

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This is an updated version of an article originally published in 2019 using using data from surveys of Which? members and Which? Trusted Traders, both conducted in 2019.