Recent industry figures indicate there are 35,000 construction job vacancies across the UK, with more than half of roles remaining unfilled due to skills shortages.

In a recent survey by the FMB, 42% of small, local builders said they’d delayed jobs due to a lack of skilled labour.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the trade body warned that unless decisive action is taken, the UK’s housing and infrastructure targets will remain “unrealistic aspirations”.

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Over 95% of tradespeople have been called in to fix botched DIY jobs, claims a report from the Panelling Centre.

Incorrect measurements and not consulting a professional for either design or layout advice were the two biggest problems commonly faced by tradies.

Tradesman and media personality, Peter Finn warned that the situation can become worse if the well-intentioned DIYer leaves it too long before asking for help.

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A builder in Spain was over the moon, after finding nearly £50,000 stashed in Nesquik tins, while refurbishing his future retirement home.

Tońo Pińeiro’s good luck was short-lived however, when he realised the money was in Spanish pesetas, a currency that became obsolete in 2002, when the country adopted the Euro.

Despite the setback, Pińeiro still managed to pocket £30,000 from the haul, which paid for his new roof.

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