NEWS UK homeowners embrace ‘quick win’ DIY


New research from waterproofing brand, Thompsons, has revealed the most popular ‘quick win’ DIY jobs among UK homeowners, as the arrival of spring encourages many to focus on home and garden maintenance. With longer days and improving weather conditions, seasonal upkeep is becoming a priority. The survey found that 92.11% of respondents plan to undertake DIY projects this spring, with 84.21% stating they prefer to carry out tasks themselves rather than


hire a professional.


Outdoor maintenance ranks highest on the list of priorities, with 44.74% of homeowners identifying external spaces as their starting point. Tidying the garden and cleaning patios or driveways emerged as the most common ‘easy win’ tasks. Interior projects also remain popular, including painting and installing shelves or picture frames. The findings reveal that many homeowners are focusing on manageable improvements that can be completed quickly while


still enhancing the appearance and functionality of their living spaces. The research also highlights


that preparation remains a key consideration for those planning DIY work. Over two-thirds of respondents indicated they expect to purchase materials or tools to complete their projects. The data reflects a broader


trend towards practical, time- efficient home improvements, with homeowners seeking achievable tasks that deliver visible results without requiring extensive renovation.


Cost-effective retrofitting can offer retail sales opportunities


Energy efficiency upgrades need not be costly or disruptive, according to new research from Uswitch, highlighting a major opportunity for the DIY trade to support homeowners with accessible retrofit solutions. Despite growing awareness, uptake remains limited. A survey of 1,000 homeowners found only 33% are actively considering retrofitting, even though 56% recognise its energy-saving benefits. Cost remains the primary barrier, with 66% citing upfront expense and 62% believing improvements are unaffordable for the average household. Complexity is


wins, with modest installation costs and immediate savings potential. Simple additions like thermal curtains or secondary glazing also present low-cost alternatives to full window replacement.


another concern, with nearly half (48%) viewing retrofit projects as disruptive or confusing. However, energy expert Ben Gallizi points to a strong market for smaller, practical


upgrades that can be delivered through the DIY and trade sector. Measures such as draught proofing, sealing floorboard gaps, and improving radiator efficiency offer quick


The Paint Shed now open in Dundee


The Paint Shed, headquartered in Stirling, has opened a new branch in Dundee. The store sells a wide range of trade paints, designer paints and accessories to both professional decorators and retail customers via its website and through its network of stores across Scotland and the North of England.


Michael Rolland, Managing


Director of The Paint Shed, commented on the Dundee store opening: “The Paint Shed is delighted to announce the opening of our brand-new store in Dundee. After more than 10 years of searching for the right location in Dundee, this marks a significant milestone for us as we open our 24th store.


Dundee is a key addition to our growing network across


Scotland and Northern England, and reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing a comprehensive, multi-brand offering to more customers, making it easier to access everything needed, all under one roof. With our new location at Kings Cross Trade Park, we’re confident the store will be both accessible and convenient for customers across Dundee and


the surrounding areas, including St. Andrews, Broughty Ferry, Arbroath, Montrose and Forfar.”


Tradesman Saver accelerates growth with new sub-brands for trades


Tradesman Saver, one of the UK’s leading providers of insurance in the construction sector, has kickstarted its ambitious growth plans for 2026 by expanding its services alongside the reveal of new branding to create a stronger connection with customers. Already well-established in the construction sector, Tradesman Saver has now launched several sub-brands dedicated to specific trades, including Electrician Saver and Carpenter Saver.


6 DIY WEEK MARCH 2026


The expansion of its services coincides with an update to the Tradesman Saver branding, featuring a more refined visual identity to reflect the modern, professional business it is today.


Launched 18 years ago,


Tradesman Saver became one of the first specialist insurance providers to offer a digital end-to-end experience for customers, enabling them to quote, buy and renew entirely online and around the clock. After hitting the 10,000 customer mark in 2019, the


brand continued to expand and in 2024 was acquired by Jensten, a leading broking and underwriting group, with the aim of achieving further growth. Having recently announced its own acquisition by leading global private equity firm Bain Capital, Jensten has invested significantly in Tradesman Saver’s digital presence to reach even more customers.


www.diyweek.net


For trade professionals, this shift towards incremental retrofitting opens new revenue streams while addressing consumer hesitation. With government-backed support schemes helping offset costs, suppliers and installers are well placed to position these accessible solutions as high- return investments, both financially and in terms of home comfort.


UK construction outlook splits for 2026 as firms focus on efficiency


A new industry report from Houzz Inc. reveals a split outlook across the UK construction and design sector as firms head into 2026, following a difficult trading year. According to the 2026 UK Houzz State of the Industry study, architects and interior designers are growing more optimistic, with over half expecting a good year ahead, up sharply from 2025. In contrast, design and build firms remain cautious, with nearly half predicting a poor year.


The mixed sentiment follows


widespread underperformance in 2025, when around 73% of design and build firms and interior designers, and 55% of architects, reported revenues falling short of expectations. However, there are signs of stabilisation: more firms reported revenue growth year-on-year, and fewer saw profits decline. Cost pressures remain a major concern. Up to 90% of firms reported rising operating costs, driven mainly by materials, marketing and software expenses. At the same time, winning new business continues to challenge many, with around half of firms struggling to attract clients. In response, businesses


are focusing on efficiency and stronger sales processes in 2026, while workforce growth has largely stalled right across the sector.


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