Risking property and personal safety by following online DIY advice is pretty common

According to research released by UK safety charity, Electrical Safety First, half of local homeowners believe they will ultimately save time and money by using YouTube DIY videos to complete projects around the home, even if they don't have the necessary experience or skill.

The number of people across the UK carrying out work to increase their property's value has trebled in the last two years, but the charity suggests people are taking on more than they can handle with many homeowners tackling projects that, by law, should be carried out by a registered electrician.
The study, which is part of a new #dontdieforDIY campaign, also revealed one in 16 people who followed online advice caused significant damage to their property or had to pay for costly repairs as a result of botched DIY.

Emma Apter of Electrical Safety First said, "The Internet is a fantastic resource and the new generation of YouTube DIYers shows just how much we have come to rely on it.
But there's only so much online videos and tips can tell you and not everyone will have the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks. Ash yourself, 'If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?'. If in doubt, get a professional in - it could save you a lot of time and money in the long run."

As part of the campaign a series of spoof videos, featuring "expert" YouTube DIYer Mike Power, have been released as well as these tips for safely following online DIY instructions:

1. If something looks too complicated to try yourself, it probably is. You could save a lot of time and hassle by getting a professional in.
2.When doing electrical DIY make sure you have RCD protection, either in your fuse-box or as a plug-in. An RCD is a life-saving device that cuts out power if there's an accident and can help prevent an electric shock.
3.If you have any doubts about the type of electrical DIY you should or shouldn't be doing visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/DIY for more advice.
4.Always use a registered electrician. Click here to find one in your local area.
Learn more at #dontdieforDIY or get the professionals in...