DIY becoming a woman's world

Women complained in the survey that they had to step in and finish off a DIY job started by their husband or partner.

Others voiced frustration that the simplest home improvement job took a man half a day to complete.

" Women are taking on typical male roles more than ever before, even in the traditionally female environment of the home "
Prof Cary Cooper

Women were increasingly using power tools such as drills and saws and more than half were happy to get stuck into the paste and hang wallpaper.

In fact, 87% of women questioned in the West Midlands admitted to putting up their own wallpaper.

The survey of more than 700 women by DIY giant Focus claimed that most believed they were more practical and efficient than men.

A total of 78% of them believed they were more practical than men and 84% claim they are more efficient.

DIY decisions

Professor Cary Cooper, a leading psychologist, commented: "Women are taking on typical male roles more than ever before, even in the traditionally female environment of the home."

Three out of four women claimed to make all the major DIY decisions in the home.

Women in Scotland complained the most about the DIY qualities of their men, while women in the South West were most satisfied.

Jill Keen, marketing director of Focus, said: "Our survey proves that DIY is no longer just a man's game."