A Nationwide Building Society survey suggests around 30% of people think DIY skills are being lost among younger generations. Among those aged 16 to 28, 41% are not convinced about their own abilities. Millennials aged 29 to 44 are more confident, with 19% saying their skills are diminishing. The findings also show a gap in practical capability, with 9% of Gen-Z reporting a radiator has bled, compared with 53% of Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79.

Across the findings, younger generations are less prone to leave projects unfinished for long. Gen-Z typically pause work for three to four months, the shortest period among the groups, while Baby Boomers average around 11 months. Spending on home improvements in the last year is higher for Millennials (£1,123 (€1,303)) and Gen-Z (£1,014 (€1,176)) than Gen-X (£794 (€921)) and Baby Boomers (£444 (€515)). Overall, respondents said DIY jobs are left unfinished for about seven months on average, and 10% admit leaving a task for a year or more. The reasons cited include a lack of practical knowledge passed down and the view that manual skills are not a priority today. Some say education in practical skills is lacking, while others note that a professional can be hired to complete the work. YouTube was the top source for DIY help (46%), with TikTok also popular among Gen-Z; 31% rely on family for tips. In some cases calling a professional is essential for safety.

The findings are based on a Censuswide survey of more than 2,000 adults conducted in September. Nationwide’s head of mortgage products, Carlo Pileggi, said: “Forget dusty manuals and an old toolbox; today’s how-to comes from TikTok hacks and YouTube tutorials. So, if you hear stop-start drilling and repeat talking at 10pm, relax. It’s likely someone re-watching a tutorial as they struggle to assemble that infuriating flat-pack.”