The Hidden Dangers of DIY: Why Qualified Tradespeople Are Essential
In an age of online tutorials and viral social media hacks, more and more people are turning to DIY solutions for home improvement — but when it comes to gas and electrical work, this trend is putting lives and homes at serious risk.
Recent research by Direct Line Business Insurance has revealed that nearly 14 million UK adults (25%) have attempted potentially illegal gas or electrical DIY work in their homes. This isn't just a question of cutting corners — it’s a growing safety and legal crisis.
Worryingly, in nearly 30% of those cases, the work was done without building control approval or certification from a registered installer. Even more concerning is that nearly 40% of those who carried out this work were completely unaware that doing so is illegal, risking unlimited fines and prosecution.
The Influence of Social Media
The motivations behind these risky DIY jobs are varied. 41% of people said it looked “straightforward,” 31% were trying to save money, and 24% were influenced by DIY videos on social media — despite having no formal training.
This illusion of simplicity can be dangerously misleading. As Mark Summerville of Direct Line Business Insurance puts it, “Some jobs demand the expertise, tools, and experience that only registered installers can provide.”
Risking More Than Just Safety
From installing electric showers to rewiring entire circuits, the top DIY electrical tasks being undertaken are not minor fixes — they are complex, high-risk jobs that demand professional expertise. Yet one in six adults don’t realise that faulty gas or electrical work can lead to serious health risks, injury, or even death (Electrical Safety First). Many who attempt DIY electrics are trying to save money, but the hidden costs can be devastating:
Unlimited fines and even prosecution for carrying out illegal work (GOV.UK).
Home insurance being invalidated if unqualified work causes damage.
Property sales falling through due to missing building regulation certificates (HomeOwners Alliance).
Shockingly, 12% of people wrongly believe local authorities can’t make them correct unsafe work. In fact, councils can enforce costly remedial action, and it’s the homeowner who foots the bill.
The Right Way: Hire a Qualified Professional
Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line, explained it well:
“DIY can seem like a simple way to save money, but when it comes to gas, electrics and major repairs, the risks can be serious.”
Hiring a qualified tradesperson means the job gets done safely, legally, and to a professional standard. You’ll also receive the correct certification, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Qualified Professionals: The Safe and Legal Choice
Whether it's installing sockets in a bathroom or replacing a consumer unit, there is no substitute for trained, certified tradespeople. They not only get the job done right — they ensure it's safe, legal, and compliant with building regulations.
At the heart of the solution is education and training. If you're someone who wants to work in this vital industry — safely, professionally, and legally — then learning the trade properly is the first step.
Thinking of Becoming a Qualified Electrician?
If you're interested in learning a skilled trade and want to be part of the solution, why not train to become a certified professional?
At Optima, we provide comprehensive electrical training courses that equip you with the skills, qualifications, and confidence to work safely and legally in this vital industry.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your qualifications, our accredited training programmes will give you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to meet new building standards and market demand.
✅ Hands-on training
✅ Industry-recognised certifications
✅ Expert instructors with real-world experience
✅ Courses tailored to upcoming regulations
Contact us today to embark on your training journey.
Contact us: Request Information
Email: info@optima-ect.com
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