The year 2020 has seen many UK homeowners swapping their usual technology filled hands for a paintbrush. Figures from Gov.UK show that between March and April 2020, gardening and DIY activity increased from ten minutes a day to nearly 50 minutes — compared to the previous two years. The resurgence of DIY made home improvement a priority, increasing reliance on builders’ merchants. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director at PVCu windows, doors and composite doors manufacturer Euramax, explains the trend.

Whether it’s painting and decorating or building furniture, many of us are typically DIY-shy, and relish the convenience of hiring professionals to undertake our DIY jobs. However, with one third of businesses forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our usual ‘go-to’ shops were inaccessible, leaving homeowners to carry out DIY jobs themselves.

A study carried out by insurer Aviva found that 85 per cent of UK residents performed home improvement activities during lockdown....

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