Brandscape

"I did that", how the UK DIY craze continues

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The love of DIY, home and garden improvement runs deep in the UK’s cultural fabric. For decades, Brits have relished the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into a project around the house, whether building a garden shed, laying a new patio, or painting a room. There’s something deeply satisfying about saying “I did that” when you look at a finished project, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a task with your own two hands is hard to beat. British consumers spent £110.3 billion on home improvements in 2021.*

One of the reasons why DIY is so prevalent in the UK is the easy availability of quality tools, paints, and materials from high street retailers. Whether you’re looking to buy a new hammer, some paintbrushes, or a bag of cement, you can be sure you’ll find what you need at a high-street DIY store. And with many of these stores now offering their own brand products alongside the big-name brands, it’s easier than ever to get the job done on a budget. Stores like B&Q, Homebase, Wickes and others such as Wilko offer a vast array of products and materials for every kind of DIY project, from painting and decorating to plumbing and electrical work. These stores are a one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs and are staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can offer advice and guidance on even the most complex projects.

When it comes to paints, for example, many high street retailers now offer their own brand ranges that are as good as the more expensive options from well-known brands. These own-brand paints are often cheaper, too, which is excellent news for anyone on a tight budget. And with many DIY stores now offering colour-matching services, it’s easier than ever to find the exact shade you’re looking for. A great exmple of this is Wilko’s own-brand Paints.

The same goes for tools and materials. Many DIY stores now offer their own-brand tools and equipment that are just as good as the big-name brands but at a fraction of the price. And with more and more people looking to take on DIY projects themselves rather than hiring professionals, the demand for affordable tools and materials has never been higher.

In fact, statistics show that the DIY market in the UK is booming. According to a report by AMA Research**, the UK DIY market was worth over £10 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow by a further 2.2% in 2021. And with more people spending time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for DIY products and services has only increased.

When asked at the start of the year, 49% of Brits said they’d renovate their homes in 2022, and 55% stated their plans to decorate.*** Another survey found homeowners looking to spend an average of £6,727 in 2022. ****. Five million Brits redecorated rooms in their homes in 2021, and 1.5 million built an outhouse.*****

Of course, there’s more to the love of DIY than the availability of affordable tools and materials. For many Brits, DIY is a way of life, a hobby they enjoy and take pride in. Whether it’s building a garden shed, fitting a new kitchen, or just painting a room, there’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes from being able to say, “I did that”. And with so many great resources available online, from DIY blogs to YouTube tutorials, it’s easier than ever to learn new skills and take on new projects.

In conclusion, the love of DIY and home and garden improvement runs deep in the UK’s cultural fabric. With easy access to quality tools, paints, and materials from high street retailers and the booming DIY market, there’s never been a better time to take on a DIY project. And with so many great online resources, there’s no excuse not to give it a go. So why not roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a project around the house today?

Sources: *Powered Now, ** AMA Research, *** Houzz & Home, **** RISA, *****Powered Now

Wow Me Design is the Cheltenham-based brand development agency creating brands people want. We would love you to get in touch at hello@wowmedesign.com

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