Student Pays £180 to Change Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries, Citing DIY Insecurity
A university student has admitted to spending £180 on a tradesperson to replace the batteries in his carbon monoxide detector, due to a lack of confidence in his DIY abilities.
Sam Daley, speaking to Metro, revealed his reluctance to make phone calls and a lack of assurance in negotiating prices, despite studying law part-time.
Gen Z and DIY Skill Gaps
‘There’s a decline in practical skills across generations, and I’m not alone,’ stated Sam, a 22-year-old hospitality worker from Nottingham.
This apprehension has led him to depend on on-demand service applications for even simple household tasks, such as battery replacement.
COVID-19 Impact on Practical Skills
‘The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted two years of my life. Theoretically, I could have used that time to acquire practical skills, but I was a teenager then,’ Sam explained.
He added, ‘I’ve become so accustomed to using platforms like Amazon that I’m less likely to attempt things myself, choosing to outsource them instead.’
‘I could learn these skills, but app-based solutions are just too convenient.’
Reliance on Tradesman Apps for Home Repairs
Sam utilized JustFix, an application connecting users with local tradespeople, to find someone to install a shelf and change the alarm batteries, incurring a £180 charge.
He detailed his extensive use of apps, saying, ‘I use them for everything and have to request assistance for almost every household task.’
‘In my home with my girlfriend, I even needed someone to install a shelf,’ he further stated.
‘I even hired help to change the carbon monoxide alarm battery, which I later discovered is a straightforward task involving simple screws.’
‘I feel completely lost with DIY because I lack basic skills to build upon.’
‘I’ve simply accepted this reliance.’
Survey Highlights Gen Z DIY Inexperience
Sam’s confession follows surveys indicating that unscrupulous tradespeople are targeting Gen Z, perceiving them as less knowledgeable about DIY than older generations.
He mentioned that his girlfriend, Catharine, shares similar sentiments, and his friends also favor apps due to their aversion to phone calls.
‘Without these apps, I’d be constantly seeking help from my parents, which I prefer to avoid,’ he admitted.
‘Completing tasks independently, even if it means hiring someone, gives me a sense of self-reliance.’
‘I work extensively to manage rent costs.’
‘After working long hours, I prefer to return home and avoid further tasks.’
‘If I can afford it, I’d rather pay someone to handle repairs and eliminate the worry.’
‘My parents and grandparents might disapprove, but I prioritize a well-maintained home, regardless of how it’s achieved.’
‘They don’t need to know the specifics.’
Expert Insight on Shifting Generational Trends
Adam Graham, CEO of JustFix, commented on the generational shift, ‘We observe that numerous younger individuals simply opt not to dedicate their valuable time to household maintenance tasks.’