One in 20 Brits believe they can build a house from online videos alone

A staggering one in 20 adults believe they could build a house using only online tutorials as guidance, according to a poll of 2,000 adults. The survey revealed the nation's astonishing overconfidence, with many thinking they could solve a crime like a detective, win a pub quiz on their own, and even navigate to a new destination without a map.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) have been called out in the past for making such an overconfident statement. Astonishingly, one in 20 (five per cent) even think they could successfullyinstall a gas boiler – a task that should only be undertaken by a qualified professional.

The research was commissioned by Gas Safe Register, which has partnered with Nick Knowles ahead of Gas Safety Week 2025 to remind people not to be overconfident with DIY when it comes to gas appliances.

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TV host and DIY expert Nick said: "Having confidence is great, but in the right circumstances. Through my time presenting, I've seen many instances where that "do it yourself" mentality has worked.

"But being overconfident with certain elements of home improvement – particularly when it comes to things like gas or electrical appliances – can be deadly, probably illegal, and should only be done by professionals."

The study also found 10 per cent think they would make it as a successful online influencer if they felt like it, and seven per cent said they could write a best-selling novel.

It also emerged men are generally more overconfident than women - with twice as many of them considering themselves capable of these tasks. Twenty-seven per cent of men reckon they could find their way somewhere without a map or GPS, compared to just 12 per cent of women.

However, two in five of those who do overestimate their abilities admit it's specifically to impress a potential love interest. Nearly three in 10 even take on potentially the most challenging tasks for social media bragging rights.

Meanwhile a quarter do so to avoid shelling out for a professional and save some money. Yet, four in ten confess they have regretted trying to tackle a task themselves that they weren't qualified to handle.

Rob Denmann for Gas Safe Register added: "We can all have a bit of over-confidence when it comes to DIY, and may let a 'give it a go' mentality take over. That's fine if it's putting up some shelves or giving the walls a fresh lick of paint. But when it comes to working with gas – from installing a new gas cooker or attempting to fix a temperamental boiler – the consequences can be dangerous.

"The number one rule is simple – leave it to the experts. There are over 130,000 Gas Safe registered engineers all over the UK, who are legally qualified, knowledgeable and equipped to handle gas issues in your home.

"Using these experts to complete any gas related jobs, including an annual safety check, will help look after your home, friends and family."