According to research by Santander Insurance UK, 39 per cent of people in the UK are planning to improve their homes over the coming year.
However, the study showed that instead of getting a skilled tradesman in to perform the work, many plan to do it themselves.
This is despite the fact that just 13 per cent feel they can confidently use bricklaying and concreting tools.
The figure demonstrates the level of skill required to perform these building tasks, as homeowners felt more confident about jobs such as landscaping the garden and installing a new bath or shower.
Miguel Sard, chief executive of Santander Insurance UK, commented: "When it comes to major construction work, it's just not worth taking the risks.
"Get it done professionally."
People who hire a construction professional will be able to benefit from both their expertise and their superior range of bricklaying and concreting tools.
Many builders use a range of specialist equipment to carry out these tasks, including jointers, edging trowels, bullfloats and spreaders.