Thursday 20th March 2008
For many Britons, the Easter weekend offers the chance to get round to some of those jobs around the home that have been left undone over recent weeks.
But Saga is warning that undertaking DIY might not be such a good idea for those who are unprepared, unprotected or inexperienced.
Research conducted by the financial services provider reveals that 35 per cent of men have injured themselves while trying to carry out handiwork around the house.
However, disastrous DIY is not a solely masculine pastime, as 15 per cent of women have also had a painful encounter with a power tool or suffered some other form of physical mishap in the pursuit of hand-crafted perfection.
In light of the figures, carrying out home improvements may well be deemed false economy by many Britons.
For almost one in five (19 per cent), the prospect of a DIY disaster has proved sufficient to encourage them to call in an expert.
Saga recommends all those digging out the hammers and nails this weekend to "check they have full accidental damage cover added to their buildings and contents insurance just in case they do make any mistakes".
Meanwhile, with the prospect of snow on the horizon for some areas of the country, Britons could be forgiven for escaping to the sun.
And, as Easter is uncommonly early this year, it could prove economical to do so, according to travel association ABTA.
Due to the fact that many schools are holding half-term in April, the typical rush caused by such holidays coinciding with Easter is not expected to take place.
This means vacationers are likely to be heading out of the country over a three-week period rather than being concentrated into just seven days.
ABTA president Justin Fleming therefore notes that "the extended peak period has also seen a flattening out of prices - which has increased the number of holiday bargains for this time of year".
©
