Research released today by Bosch Power Tools* highlights over £2.1 billion a year is wasted in the UK, replacing household items which could easily be fixed.
37% of UK consumers replace furniture even if it is isn’t broken, with a whopping 81% claiming it’s because they enjoy buying new things and making sure that their home is modern and on-trend. Surprising given the current and on-going economic climate.
Lack of skills?
When it comes to repairing household items only 12% of Brits think they have the sufficient skills to be able to do a good job although nearly 60% admitted that this lack of skills lead to costly replacement purchases.
Which is evidently true – those who do claim to possess the skills to repair their furniture are spending under £100 a year whereas those who replace items are shelling out five times as much on new purchases.
Environmentally unconscious
And it seems consumers are not making the connection between replacing items and the environmental impact with 85% of Brits claiming to be environmentally friendly and make ethical choices wherever and whenever they can, yet still not going the extra mile and attempting to repair household items.
Chris Tidy, DIY expert from Bosch Power Tools says “This trend is easily reversible. With a few DIY skills fixing furniture around the home and giving your home a new interior look is simple.
We are seeing an increasing number of people claiming they don’t have the skills to complete DIY tasks but if you start off small, plan the project through and use the correct tools you can’t go wrong.
Repairing furniture is both financially and emotionally rewarding and allows you to customise your home any way you like. It will also help you become more environmentally aware and help ease the endless stream of rubbish going to landfill.”
TOP FIVE HOME REPAIRS FOR CASH-STRAPPED BRITS
- RE-UPHOLSTERING A CHAIR
(A huge 30% have never even thought to attempt this!) - VARNISHING A TABLE
- CREATING A FEATURE WALL USING WALLPAPER
- FIXING A CUPBOARD DOOR
- PUTTING UP A COAT HOOK