Checkatrade, the UK's leading online platform for tradespeople, announced that emergency demolition jobs rose by 15% over the same period last year, from 16,660 to 20,000 jobs during the period the B&Q ad aired.
Resolving failed DIY jobs has long been a “must have” for professional builders, but the continued need for emergency calls is a “worrying trend”, the company said.
“It's a great message to encourage people to work on improving their homes, but we need to take responsibility here,” said Refaat Halawi, a builder with Grand Property Services.
“It's almost always the job of a professional. If you're thinking of doing the demolition yourself, think again – if you want to get the job done unscathed!”
Checkatrade also warns that calling in a specialist to repair a failed DIY job will make repairs even more expensive, potentially costing up to £3,000 depending on the nature and extent of the damage.
Edmond Toska of Design & Build Builders Ltd added: “I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw B&Q's new ad. It's more about his failed DIY demolitions than B&Q selling sledgehammers.
“The risks of causing damage to yourself or property, or breaching building regulations, are too high for amateurs.
“Demolition work is at the top of the list of DIY jobs. Don't do it yourself. If you're thinking of doing it yourself, I encourage you to swallow your pride and hire a professional.”
The Advertising Standards Authority said it had not investigated the B&Q ad, but it had received four complaints about the ad, with two complainants saying it promoted unprofessional and dangerous behavior. He claimed that there was.
A B&Q spokesperson said: “Our hope for B&Q's You Can Do It campaign was to give people confidence as they embark on their DIY journey, and we're thrilled that it's been such a huge success!”