Credit crunch encourages homeowners to save money by taking on jobs themselves rather than get a professional in.
According to a survey conducted by Brandon Tool Hire, 65% of homeowners - an estimated 14 million - plan to take on a DIY job over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

However, 49% of respondents admitted that they wouldn't normally tackle such jobs, opting usually to leave it to a professional, but are doing so in order to save money.

The survey also revealed that, as a nation, we are quite modest about our skill levels, with 58% of respondents rating their DIY ability as that of an 'enthusiastic learner', saying that they'd 'tackle smaller jobs using the relevant guidance, but know their limitations'.

DIYers in Oxford were the most confident about their skills, with 34% rating their ability as competent. In contrast, those surveyed from Manchester were the most ill-prepared with 73% admitting to being poorly equipped and getting halfway through a job before realising they don't have the right tools.

Brandon Tool Hire managing director, Tim Smith said: "It's common knowledge that the credit crunch is causing people to improve rather than move - but the scale to which people are now planning to undertake their own improvements is staggering."

He added: "What is worrying is that six out of ten people admitted to not planning their jobs properly. For example, we often see customers getting carried away chopping down trees and pruning large branches without thinking what to do with the waste. Inevitably they will then come into Brandon Tool Hire for a garden shredder."

The company has issued its top tips for planning DIY jobs over the Easter weekend and is offering a full weekend hire for the price of a day, plus an extra £5 off when you spend over £20 in hire.