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Ball, M, Farshchi, M and Grilli, M (2000) Competition and the persistence of profits in the UK construction industry. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 733-45.

Davidson, M and Leather, P (2000) Choice or necessity? A review of the role of DIY in tackling housing repair and maintenance. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 747-56.

Type: Journal Article
Keywords: building; DIY; housing; maintenance; repair
ISBN/ISSN: 0144-6193
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/014461900433032
Abstract:
Do-it-yourself (DIY) is a staple element of the spare time activities of many households, but little is known about the extent to which basic repair work is carried out through DIY and about the quality of this work. Through secondary analyses of UK government data (English House Condition Survey and Family Expenditure Survey), this paper examines the scale of DIY work by owner- occupiers, how work is organized, the interrelationship of DIY work, the use of unpaid help, and the use of contractors. It considers the types of work carried out, the characteristics of those who tackle DIY or use unpaid help, the dwelling types most likely to experience DIY work, and the motivations of and constraints on those home-owners who do it. The paper concludes with a discussion on the policy implications of these findings for government and the building industry. Although most DIY work is cosmetic and does not deal with basic repair and maintenance, the sheer scale of DIY ensures that it makes a contribution to improving housing conditions. The provision of more advice, information and education by government, local authorities and the private sector could ensure that more DIY work is of better quality and that home owners give priority to essential repairs whether or not they tackle these themselves.

Kumaraswamy, M M and Dissanayaka, S M (2000) ISO 9000 and beyond: from a Hong Kong construction perspective. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 783-96.

Langford, D A, El-Tigani, H and Marosszeky, M (2000) Does quality assurance deliver higher productivity?. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 775-82.

Loosemore, M and Tan, C C (2000) Occupational bias in construction management research. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 757-66.

MacKenzie, S, Kilpatrick, A R and Akintoye, A (2000) UK construction skills shortage response strategies and an analysis of industry perceptions. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 853-62.

Ng, S T, Cheung, S O, Skitmore, M R, Lam, K C and Wong, L Y (2000) Prediction of tender price index directional changes. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 843-52.

Smithers, G L and Walker, D H T (2000) The effect of the workplace on motivation and demotivation of construction professionals. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 833-41.

Wong, C H, Holt, G D and Cooper, P A (2000) Lowest price or value? Investigation of UK construction clients' tender selection process. Construction Management and Economics, 18(07), 767-74.