Dangerous DIY – 14 million Brits unknowingly risk lives, homes, and legal trouble

4 min read
 
  • A quarter (25 per cent) of adults have done potentially illegal gas or electrical DIY work at home 
  • In over a quarter of those cases (29 per cent), the work was completed without building control approval or certification from a registered installer
  • Two-fifths (39 per cent) of those who did this were unaware that doing so without proper certification is illegal
  • A sixth (15 per cent) do not realise faulty gas or electrical work could cause serious health risks, injury, or even death
  • A quarter (24 per cent) were encouraged to attempt gas or electrical DIY by social media videos 

 

Nearly 14 million (25 per cent)1 adults have done gas or electrical DIY work at home that is potentially illegal, according to new research conducted by Direct Line business insurance. Risking lives, homes and legal trouble for themselves and those who live at the address, as this work needs to be completed by a certified professional or be approved by building control.   

In over a quarter (29 per cent) of cases where people did the work themselves, it was completed without ever obtaining building control approval or certification from a registered installer. A lack of public knowledge is fuelling the problem. Nearly two-fifths (39 per cent) of those who have undertaken gas or electrical DIY projects were unaware that conducting such work without proper certification or sign off is in fact illegal – a mistake that can lead to unlimited fines and even prosecution.2 Most commonly, DIYers move or install kitchen or bathroom sockets themselves (nine per cent), or install electric showers, cookers, or storage heaters (eight per cent).

Table one: Potentially illegal DIY tasks done

Top five DIY tasks related to gas or electrics conducted by UK adults 
1  Installing or moving sockets, in a kitchen, bathroom, or outside Nine per cent  
2  Installing appliances such as showers, cookers, or storage heaters Eight per cent
3   Installing new lighting circuits Six per cent
4  Work involving your main electrical supply  Four per cent
5 Rewiring your home, installing a new circuit, or changing your consumer unit Four per cent 

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025 

Less than half (45 per cent) of those that complete restricted work themselves are getting it approved: nearly a quarter (22 per cent) asked a qualified engineer to inspect the work and issue a certificate as a favour, and almost a sixth (17 per cent) asked a qualified engineer to inspect the work and issue a certificate for a small fee. A further Six per cent did the work themselves and then arranged for it to be approved by their local authority.

A proportion of adults (15 per cent) adults do not realise that faulty DIY work could cause serious health risks, injury, or even death, and one in eight (12 per cent) mistakenly believe local authorities cannot insist they put dangerous work right at their own expense.

The consequences extend beyond health and legality – they can impact future property sales too. A fifth (22 per cent) of adults are unaware that failing to provide certificates of compliance with building regulations could cause issues when it comes to selling their home. 

Of those who attempted gas or electrical DIY jobs, two in five (41 per cent) said it looked straightforward, a third (31 per cent) were trying to save money, and a quarter (24 per cent) were encouraged by videos on social media.

Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: "DIY can seem like a simple way to save money, but when it comes to gas, electrics and major repairs, the risks can be serious. Some jobs demand the expertise, tools, and experience that only registered installers can provide. When it comes to work involving gas or electrics, it is always best to call in the professionals to stay within the law and protect your health, safety, and finances.”

-ENDS-

 

Notes to editors:

  1. The research was conducted by Opinium, amongst a sample of 2,000 UK adults between 15th April to 17th April 2025. Opinium abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. 

  1. London Borough of Lewisham website - https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/buildingcontrol/building-control---frequently-asked-questions published on 8th May 2025

For further information, please contact: 

Direct Line Group: 

Unni Henry  

PR Manager 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk  

  

About Direct Line business insurance 

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors. 

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk