Home Maintenance

[El Capitan]

Now I know this wouldn't apply around here!

12th January 2011

A new generation of 'techno-sexual' men is to blame for the demise in basic home maintenance and DIY skills, with men preferring to nurture their technological prowess rather than learn to fix a dripping tap, according to a new study* for AA Home Emergency Response.

Research findings

The researchers found that in the 1970s 71% of men learnt DIY and home maintenance skills from their fathers. By 1990 this had fallen to 67%.

The boom in technology in the 1990s saw the interest in learning DIY wane even further, dwindling to the current level of 44%.

The AA has predicted that based on the current rate of decline, by 2030 just one in five men will receive basic DIY knowledge from their father.

If the trends continues, home maintenance skills could be on the road to 'extinction' by as early as 2048, resulting in a nation of 'no can do' homeowners.

Asked about the last time they faced a DIY challenge, a stark difference appeared between the generations:

• 73% of 55 to 65 year olds were able to do the job themselves

• 55% of under 35s said they could do the job

• Only 32% of under 25s said they could

Taking advantage?

As well as carrying out their own home repairs, fathers are seeing their offspring take advantage of their expertise – 27% of under 25s called in dad to solve their latest DIY problem.

Confidence

Only a third of men (34%) actually feel confident in their ability to carry out the majority of DIY, repairs and maintenance around the home.

Over 65s are most likely to describe themselves as very handy and able to carry out relatively difficult jobs around the home whilst the under 25s are least likely to say they are adept at home repairs (21%).

Comment

Tom Stringer, Head of Home Rescue for the AA, said: "When we look at skills and knowledge, the 21st century man is keener to show his manliness through his ability to grasp technology than a power tool. We have known for some time that DIY and home maintenance skills are on the wane and that if people aren't learning skills from their fathers this will only get worse. Increasingly people need someone they can trust to sort out problems around the home and this is exactly why we launched the AA Home Emergency Response service."

'Techno-sexual' man

Men increasingly view technology as essential to their masculinity, resulting in the rise of a new generation of 'techno-sexual' men.

Researchers found that 'being knowledgeable about technology' was the most important quality for men to feel masculine, whereas DIY skills were fourth behind being successful in their chosen career and being a competent driver.

*The research was carried out for the AA Home Emergency Response service by ICM. It was carried out in September and December 2010 amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.

[Ellery]

Unfortunately, this somewhat applies to myself. I"ve tried multiple DIY projects only to throw more money and time into it because I screwed up. I'll still try small things, but for the most part I'll call in the professionals.

[MrGlass]

That being said, confidence does not always directly match skill. I have known plenty of people who are extremely confident in their abilities to complete DIY projects, and yet the end job is so dodgy that they should have used a professional.

[#2 man]

What does DYI stand for?

[MrGlass]

What does DYI stand for?

Do It Yourself.

[Wil]

I think people are buying their first homes later in life these days, so are learning these skills later too.

[Fuzz]

What does DYI stand for?

I would assume "DYI" means Do Yourself In, especially for people who don't turn off the mains when doing electrical work or think that the brown wire is the ground wire because it is brown like the ground and yellow is the positive because it is like the sun...

[#2 man]

Good one Fuzz ! same would apply to plumbing

[#2 man]

Do It Yourself.

Nice couldn't even spell right.. Thanks !

[mazolaman]

This doesn't surprise me.

I am a fully trained carpenter and electrician,who installs kitchens.

I go in and ask the gentlemen "where's the stop cock"?(stop cock is British term for cold water shut off)

the response is usually "the what"?

Or

"where's the fuseboard"? "dunno"

Over here,people are imported to do trades,and the average male can barely bang a nail in turnip....

But,on the other hand,I see some horrific attempts at electrical work.......by diyers and supposed tradesmen....

[snickers99]

I thought a 'stop cock' was a chastity belt.

[dicko]

I'm 22 and have the inenviable quality of being both a moron with DIY and technology (computers etc).

[PigFish]

Life is getting extremely specialized. I understand Nicole Kidman just had a baby.... from a surrogate! I mean people are either so good at something that they perform only that function or they perceive themselves so good at something that it does not matter that they are so bad at everything else!

What happened to the Renaissance man? He no longer exists.

While being able to "fix ****" is a bit of a curse sometimes, I need it to keep me from going insane in an otherwise routine and sometimes monotonous world. I can't imagine taking my 4x4 to the dealer because the hubs don't lock due to a vacuum leak! What is so complex about cleaning the carb on you chainsaw? Perhaps some should just not use chainsaws!!!

I think confidence is a big part. I split the cases on my first MX bike when I was 12, I fixed it myself, I could not afford to hire a real mechanic. I don' think there is much talent in fixing many basic mechanical things but I don't see many occupations filled with people that have real talent! Talent, skill... ability is just a blend of physical dexterity and strength, memory and wisdom. The right tool for the job really helps! That is how I see life. Study enough, learn enough, practice enough and your are most of the way there, at least enough to impress your friends!!!

Gifts of God are another matter. The people who are truly the best at things have a gift, but for Ken's sake I will not go there! -Piggy

[NitrousPurger]

How will diy skills be extinct if somebody has to know how to do them??? i.e. carpenters, plumbers, electricians

[SeanL]

While I do tend to agree with the OP, I have seen some interesting behaviour from middle-aged and retirement-aged men in recent years that I believe contributes to this phenomenon, namely hoarding knowledge to retain a sense of "usefulness." There are a number of men I know who flat out refuse to show their teen and young adult children how to do certain hands on tasks, but are very willing to do the work themselves. These men tend to get offended if initiative is taken to learn the task or if it is outsourced, effectively maintaining a monopoly on home and auto repairs. By lording over certain tasks, a role is maintained, but at the cost of their child's ability to perform said task independently when they are no longer around or able to do it for them.

It should be noted that the men in question are all adverse to learning things like how to use a computer.

[Omskakas]

My father built a house mostly by himself. I couldn't do that.

But I can do other things my father can't. Like cook.

[Guest rob]

Having been a tradesperson for the first 17 years of my working life, I learnt early on that most people out there really had no practical abilties whatsoever.

Having worked in a scientific research university (as a tradesperson building scientific instrumentation) during those years, many of my collueagues referred to our academic counterparts as "Educated Idiots" - people who were absolutely brilliant in their field of expertise... but totally lacking in any common sence or simple logic for even the most basic of tasks. It was scary to see these guys attempting to use something as basic as a screwdriver.

[Wiley]

Ugh, more bad father guilt! This makes me think I should start involving my sons in my home maintenance projects. One more thing for the list, and generally, a pain in the ass.

[SeanL]

That reminds me of my experience in high school. During Grade 12 I had to drop from advanced math to general math because my grades weren't up to snuff. The advanced level students were learning things that would prepare them for university, but the general level students were learning practical things that would relate to personal finances. I'd wager that the vast majority of university-bound students during the time I went to school received absolutely no formal education in personal finances and similar real life skillsets.

[Dmar]

That reminds me of my experience in high school. During Grade 12 I had to drop from advanced math to general math because my grades weren't up to snuff. The advanced level students were learning things that would prepare them for university, but the general level students were learning practical things that would relate to personal finances. I'd wager that the vast majority of university-bound students during the time I went to school received absolutely no formal education in personal finances and similar real life skillsets.

Cheers , I"M a self taught Craftsman . I have a son 15 that can't do what I learned by the time I was 12 . Having said that , no offence to my son , there are countless contractors here in the States . Pride & Craftsmanship is whats lacking , leading up to cost before quality work . In my eye's - you get what you pay for !

[LeafLover]

I'm lost. Do WHAT yourself? Frankly, I'd rather have someone do it for me if you know what I mean.

Seriously, I've done a few projects. But as of recent years, I feel other people can do it better so I just hire them for their expertise.

[Torontonian]

Ugh, more bad father guilt! This makes me think I should start involving my sons in my home maintenance projects. One more thing for the list, and generally, a pain in the ass.

My father was a successful tradesman. He could fix anything. But, for whatever reason, he never passed his wisdom on. As a result, I am completely useless in any fix-it-man capacity. Now, you don't want your striplings to end up like me. Ye be warned.