Almost half of Irish adults rate their do-it-yourself abilities as poor, with 49% giving themselves just two stars or less out of five for home maintenance skills, according to a new nationwide survey.
The research, commissioned by insurance broker Gallagher and conducted among 1,000 Irish adults by iReach, reveals a significant lack of confidence in basic DIY tasks across the population. More than one in ten respondents (12%) admitted to having zero DIY skills when it comes to home maintenance.
The survey asked participants to rate their abilities in fundamental home improvement tasks including hanging shelves, assembling furniture, fixing minor leaks, painting, and general property upkeep. Results show that 36% of adults consider themselves “distinctly average,” awarding themselves three out of five stars.
A pronounced gender divide emerged from the findings, with women significantly less confident in their DIY abilities than men. Nearly 60% of women rated themselves at two stars or less, compared to 41% of men. The gap is particularly stark at the extremes, with men four times more likely to consider themselves master-level DIYers and women more than twice as likely to rate themselves as having minimal skills.
“The perception that DIY is a male-dominated space still rings true to some extent,” said Geraldine Kelly, head of personal lines at Gallagher Ireland. “What’s really striking here is the gender gap in self-assessed ability. Whether that points to a lack of confidence or ability in women is up for debate.”
Only 3% of all adults see themselves as master-level DIYers with five-star skills, while 12% believe they merit a four-star rating. Men were twice as likely as women to consider themselves four-star DIYers (16% versus 8%), while 20% of women gave themselves just one star compared to 9% of men.
Age also plays a significant role in DIY confidence levels. The 35-44 age group emerged as the most confident cohort, with 18% rating themselves either four or five stars, well ahead of the 11% in the younger 25-34 group. This likely reflects the pressures of homeownership and family responsibilities that typically peak during this life stage.
Surprisingly, those over 55 showed the least confidence, with 32% describing themselves as either one-star or zero-star DIYers. Kelly suggests this might reflect changing lifestyles rather than declining ability.
“Older generations may be less physically inclined to take on DIY, or perhaps they’re more inclined to hire professionals,” she explained. “Meanwhile, the 35-44 age group are often in the thick of homeownership, parenting, and maintenance.”
Despite the widespread acknowledgment of limited DIY skills, experts warn that even simple home maintenance tasks carry risks when performed incorrectly. Gallagher emphasized that without proper skills or equipment, the likelihood of causing accidental damage increases significantly.
Kelly cautioned homeowners about the balance between self-reliance and professional help: “Homeowners should be mindful that general upkeep is their responsibility, and neglecting it can lead to more serious, and costly, issues over time. In many cases, calling a professional may be the safer and more cost-effective option.”
The survey results highlight a broader cultural shift in how Irish people approach home maintenance, with many recognizing the value of professional expertise over potentially costly DIY mistakes. As Kelly concluded: “DIY can be rewarding but knowing when to step back and call a professional could save you a lot of stress, and money, in the long run.”