Nearly six in 10 people polled hear and see things in their homes that creep them out, according to research.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed 36% have experienced flickering or dimming lights with seemingly no explanation.
More than a fifth (22%) have unexplained cold spots, or draughts in an otherwise warm room.
And 18% find creaking floorboards in their home give them the creeps, alongside insects running around the house (26%), security lights turning on unprovoked (28%) and doors creaking (40%).
More than a quarter (28%) are looking to put their DIY skills to good use fixing up their household repairs.
However, almost half (45%) say they lack the skills and a fifth (21%) admit that they don’t have the proper tools or equipment to tackle these jobs.
A spokesperson from B&Q, which commissioned the research, said: “In the dead of night, a dripping tap can sound ominous whilst a loose window flapping in the breeze can cast some scary shadows and loud noises.
“These haunting household issues often have easy and affordable fixes which many can implement at home.
“Now is the perfect time to get those DIY tasks sorted and keep your home spook free this Halloween.”
With almost a third (29%) being too scared they’ll make a mistake and one in 10 (11%) haunted by past jobs that they’ve previously messed up on – the average household has at least five DIY tasks left to tackle in their home.
The B&Q study, carried out, via OnePoll.com, found the loft was voted the creepiest room in the house, followed by the garage and spare bedroom.
And more than one in 10 admitted to arguing with someone in their house about whether a spooky sound had a haunted origin as 28% have been left baffled after finding a door or window open they were convinced they’d closed.
While a further 28% also believe their homes feel spookier during the winter months, with 8% having had a guest comment on the eerie sights and sounds.
It also emerged 11% were haunted by jobs they’ve previous messed up in the past.
And 13% had no idea some issues around the home, like moldy walls, could negatively impact their health.
TOP JOBS PEOPLE WOULD LOVE TO FIX AROUND THE HOME THAT GIVE THEM THE CREEPS:
- Flickering or dimming lights without explanation
- Unexplained cold spots or draughts in a warm room
- Dirty tile grouting
- Insects running around the house
- Cobwebbed lights
- Cobwebs in corners of the room
- Open doors or windows that you’re sure you closed
- Inexplicable stains or marks on walls or ceilings
- Scratching or tapping sounds coming from within the walls
- Doors creaking open or slamming shut on their own
- Unexplained knocking on doors or windows
- Creaking floorboards
- Gurgling noises coming from your sink
- Gurgling noises coming from your radiators
- A dripping tap
B&Q’S TOP TIPS TO MAKING YOUR HOME FEEL LESS SPOOKY:
Tackle the draught: Fitting draught excluders to your doors and windows will keep warm air in and cold air out – meaning no more unexplained cold spots. Self-adhesive foam strips or draught excluders are an inexpensive and easy to apply solution.
No more stained walls: Damp and mold if left unchecked, can cause serious health issues and leave unsightly stains on your walls or ceilings. Applying a good quality mold removing treatment is a simple job and gives the best chance of stopping the stains from returning. Once the surface is free of mold and dry, it can be painted with a damp seal or stain blocker paint which will ensure that the staining does not bleed through the emulsion once completed.
Fixing those floorboards: As time goes by, your floorboards might start to need some attention. If they’ve dried out or become loose, they could start to creak whilst a split, warped, or broken floorboard may even need to be replaced completely – but keeping up with regular maintenance such as taking old nails out of the floorboards or sanding them back and revarnishing are relatively easy tasks if you have the right tools.
Dirty tile grouting: Refreshing and cleaning dirty-looking tile grout is an easy, quick fix that can have a big impact on the appearance of your tiles. Minor staining and fungal growths can be removed with a specially formulated grout cleaner.
Creaking doors: Creaky doors might be caused by wear and tear, age, previous damp, or a build-up of paint layers over the years. Squeaking hinges and stiff locks can usually be solved by aerosol lubricant, either into the latch mechanism or on the hinge pins.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
