Many young adults ‘unable to do basic DIY tasks’ – including changing light bulbs | UK News

Young adults are hiring people to do basic DIY jobs such as changing a light bulb or cleaning their car, new research has found.

One in five of those aged 18 to 27 surveyed by Halfords did not know what a spanner was, and nearly a quarter could not change a ceiling light bulb, often saying that going up a ladder was “too dangerous”.

The bike and motoring retailer estimated that members of the age group were spending an average of £1,300 a year calling in professionals to do basic jobs they could probably do themselves.

This is compared with a UK average of £622, and £253 for people aged between 60 and 78.

Halfords said its survey of 2,000 people suggested the younger generation were GOTDITs – get others to do it – amid a lack of basic knowledge when it comes to straightforward DIY jobs.

Fewer than two thirds of the 323 people surveyed in the younger age group said they would be confident cleaning a car, often saying they would get a parent to do it.

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While one in five of the age group said they would call in a professional to change the bulb on a ceiling spotlight.

Andy Turbefield of Halfords said the results show the ability to do basic, practical tasks is being lost on younger generations.

“Motoring knowledge in particular appears to be on the decline, with many reluctant to take on even the most basic tasks such as replacing windscreen wipers,” he said.

People are usually said to be in Gen Z if they are between 13 and 28.