The surprisingly illegal DIY job which could see you…

The surprisingly illegal DIY job which could see you handed a £5,000 fine if carried out unprofessionally

As the cost of living crisis continues to hit we're all looking for a cheap and cheerful way to save money.

For some, this may come in the form of reducing luxury outgoings such as subscription services, or scrimping on weekends away and dining out. Others however may decide to sack off calling costly repairmen, opting to do DIY tasks to save a small fortune.

However, one electrician has recently issued a stern warning to Brits - stating that those caught carrying out home improvements in certain rooms of the house could end up risking massive fines of as much as £5,000.

North Wales Live reports that the helpful sparky said that homeowners should be vigilant of building regulations Part P - which states that it is illegal to carry out DIY electrics in 'special locations' like bathrooms and kitchens. Failing to have the appropriate certification when such work is carried out can even mean that you're unable to sell your home.

Furthermore, it's completely illegal - meaning that you could be fined £5,000 - something best avoided amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

John McCallister, an electrical expert at MyJobQuote told the Metro: "‘Accidentally hitting [a wire] in a wall or floor is incredibly dangerous. If you’re planning to work on lots of DIY projects, it’s worth investing in a wire detector and learning how to use it correctly.

"It’s important to remember that Part P of the UK building regulations make it illegal to carry out DIY electrics in the bathroom or kitchen. It goes without saying that electricity is dangerous, so anything beyond changing a bulb, rewiring a plug or spur socket should be left to a qualified electrician."

Part P states that anyone carrying out electrical installation work in a home must make sure that the work is designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shocks. Part P applies to any changes made to existing installations, including any parts that have been rewired.

Electrical Safety First warns: "Electrical installation work must be carried out only by people who have the knowledge, skill and experience needed to avoid any danger to themselves and others."

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