Half of Irish adults say their DIY skills are ‘well below par', survey reveals

BreakingNews.ie

30-05-2025

Nearly half of the Irish population (49 per cent) rate their DIY abilities at two stars or less, whilst over one in 10 (12 per cent) admit to having zero skills when it comes to home maintenance, a new survey has revealed.
The nationwide survey, commissioned by insurance broker Gallagher in Ireland and conducted by iReach among 1,000 Irish adults, has revealed that there is a sizeable cohort of the general public (36 per cent) who are 'distinctly average' in the DIY department, awarding themselves just three out of five stars for their skills around the home.
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The Gallagher poll paints a picture of an Ireland where confidence with tools is very much split along gender and generational lines.
Commenting on the findings, head of personal lines at Gallagher in Ireland, Geraldine Kelly, said: 'Judging by our survey feedback, the perception that DIY is a male-dominated space still rings true to some extent.
"What's really striking here is the gender gap in self-assessed ability – nearly 60 per cent of women rated themselves as two stars or less, compared to just 41 per cent of men. Whether that points to a lack of confidence or ability in women is up for debate'.
Gallagher's survey asked individuals to rank how adept they are at basic home maintenance and improvement tasks such as hanging shelves, assembling furniture, fixing minor leaks, painting, and general upkeep.
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While many of these jobs seem manageable, the risk of causing accidental damage can increase significantly without the right skills or equipment, Gallagher said.
Other key findings from the survey include:
Only 3 per cent of adults see themselves as master-level DIYers (5-star);
12 per cent believe they have earned a 4-star rating;
Men were four times more likely than women to rate themselves 5-star (4 per cent vs. 1 per cent) and twice as likely to consider themselves 4-star DIYers (16 per cent vs. 8 per cent);
20 per cent of women awarded themselves a lowly 1-star, compared to just 9 per cent of men.
'There seems to be a confidence divide at play,' Kelly said. 'Whether it's exposure, education, or tradition, men are more likely to back themselves with a spanner. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're doing better jobs!'
Age
Those aged 35–44 emerged as the most confident cohort, with 18 per cent rating themselves either 4 or 5 stars – well ahead of the 11 per cent in the younger 25–34 group.
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By contrast, 32 per cent of those over 55 said they were either a 1-star or zero-star DIYer.
'It might surprise some people to learn that those with most life experience are the least likely to believe in their own DIY skills. However, it might only be a reflection of changing lifestyles,' Kelly said.
'Older generations may be less physically inclined to take on DIY, or perhaps they're more inclined to hire professionals. Meanwhile, the 35–44 age group are often in the thick of homeownership, parenting, and maintenance'.
Experts at Gallagher said they are keen to caution that no matter how good you think your skills are, it is important to understand the potential risks involved in even simple home maintenance jobs.
Kelly said: 'Homeowners should be mindful that general upkeep is their responsibility, and neglecting it can lead to more serious, and costly, issues over time. In many cases, calling a professional may be the safer and more cost-effective option.
"A cautious approach is a smart one. DIY can be rewarding but knowing when to step back and call a professional could save you a lot of stress, and money, in the long run'.