Lazy Brits leave DIY unfinished

As many as 43 per cent of all DIY projects begun by homeowners in the UK are left uncompleted, according to a survey carried out by Saga Home Insurance.

According to the research, Brits are big spenders when it comes to home renovation, but many lack the willpower to complete the job.

Those in the north-west are the biggest spenders when it comes to spending home improvement with 37 per cent of homeowners claiming to splash more than £2,000 annually on their homes.

In contrast, one in four in the south-east and London spends just £50 or less annually on their property.

But, whatever the spending, a large number of Brits - charmingly described as a 'procrasti-nation by Saga - fail to see the project through to conclusion, according to the company.

According to Saga's research, the worst offenders when it comes to failing to complete a project are those in London, with only 48 per cent seeing it through to completion, and – bizarrely - teachers, with only 46 per cent.

Saga also finds the over 50s are the UK’s most diligent DIY-ers, with just one in three (36 per cent) admitting to having unfinished projects in their properties - perhaps due to the extra spare time and expertise they possess.

Excuses for failure vary between gender.

Whereas 48 per cent of men admit to just not getting round to completing the work, women are more likely to report a lack of time, with 49 per cent citing this as the key reason.

However, one in three, 35 per cent, of all DIY enthusiasts run out of money before completing the job, while 15 per cent say the job was harder than they had anticipated and 13 per cent simply lose interest.