A recent survey of 2,000 adults uncovered that one in 20 individuals believe they possess the ability to construct a house solely by following online tutorials. The study highlighted a pervasive sense of overconfidence among the population, with many confident in their skills to solve crimes akin to detectives, dominate a pub quiz unaided, and navigate to unfamiliar places without the aid of maps.
Surprisingly, nearly a quarter (24%) have been challenged in the past for making such audacious claims. Alarmingly, one in 20 (5%) even feel equipped to proficiently install a gas boiler – a task typically reserved for trained professionals.
Conducted by Gas Safe Register in anticipation of Gas Safety Week 2025, the research aims to caution individuals against excessive DIY confidence concerning gas appliances. TV personality and DIY expert Nick Knowles, in partnership with Gas Safe Register, emphasized the importance of being appropriately cautious with DIY endeavors, especially when dealing with gas or electrical systems, stressing the potential dangers and legal implications of amateur interventions.
The survey also unveiled that 10% believe they could excel as online influencers if they chose to, while 7% fancy their chances at crafting a best-selling novel. Men generally exhibit higher levels of overconfidence compared to women, with double the number of men believing in their capabilities for such tasks. Notably, 27% of men are confident in their ability to find their way without map or GPS, in contrast to only 12% of women.
Interestingly, two in five individuals who overestimate their skills admit to doing so to impress potential romantic interests. Nearly three in 10 take on challenging tasks for social media recognition. While a quarter engage in DIY to save money, four in 10 acknowledge regret over attempting tasks beyond their expertise.
Rob Denman from Gas Safe Register emphasized the risks associated with amateur gas-related DIY projects, advocating for the engagement of Gas Safe registered engineers for such tasks. With over 130,000 qualified professionals across the UK, relying on their expertise for gas-related work, including safety checks, is crucial in safeguarding homes and loved ones.