Doing DIY is no longer a case of jobs for the boys

Almost three-quarters of British women believe they are as good at DIY as men, a survey revealed, with 73 per cent saying they were just as competent at basic tasks as men.

As female home ownership grows, the B&Q survey revealed that half of all women spend between one and five hours a week doing DIY.

A fifth of households are now owned by single women.

One in five of all women spends between six and ten hours a week doing DIY.

Nearly four in ten said they did DIY as they had just bought a house or flat, with the same number saying it was the only way to get things done.

Katherine Paterson, marketing director of B&Q, said: “Our findings show that DIY is no longer just a man’s game.

“More women are recognising that with the right skills anyone can try their hand at tiling, putting up a shelf, or taking on a bigger refurbishment project.”

The survey of 2,000 British women showed that, of the 60 per cent who are currently in a relationship, over a third said they did more DIY around the house than their partner.