Warning from Relationship Expert: What Bob the Builder Trend Reveals About Men Could Shock Women

Every day, it feels like the dating world throws us a fresh curveball—or should I say, a fresh “Bob the Builder”? You might have already tangled with trends like roaching or snowmanning (curious names, right?), but this new craze has folks hunting down handyman-type guys not just for sparks, but also for a quick shelf or two nailed up at home. I mean, who wouldn’t want a date who doubles as a DIY pro during a cost of living crisis? Sounds like a dream… or maybe a door slamming shut on safety and sincerity. Have we really reached the point where “fixing a broken door hinge” is a dating prerequisite? Hold tight, because a top dating coach is here to unpack the whole thing—and drop some serious warnings before anyone swipes right for the power drill over passion. Ready to build—or maybe rethink—your love life? LEARN MORE.

Every day, it feels like a new trend is taking over the world of dating.

You might be familiar with roaching, snowmanning, or even sploshing, but you may not have spotted the new ‘Bob the Builder‘ dating trend that has been popping up on social media over the last few weeks.

Fortunately, it has nothing to do with trying to date cartoon characters, though with the increasing number of people turning to AI girlfriends and boyfriends, it’s only a matter of time.

Anyway, fear not: a dating expert has now explained exactly what the ‘Bob the Builder trend’ actually entails and has even issued a stark warning for anyone who might be considering using the unusual method to try and pick out a new partner.

So, let’s start with the basics.

What is the Bob the Builder trend?

The trend involves getting a date to do DIY for you (Getty Stock Images)

“The new dating trend, aka the Bob the Builder trend, is where people actively search for a man on a dating app, or even in real life, with the intention of someone doing some DIY at their house for them, as well as potentially dating that person,” professional dating coach Jacob Lucas told LADbible.

In the cost of living crisis, some daters are looking to cut costs by combining their dating life with DIY tasks, such as finding potential dates who are also willing to help out with tasks like putting up a shelf or two.

Let’s face it, it sounds pretty economical if you’ve got the brass neck to actually ask a relative stranger to come and do some jobs for you, but it actually could be incredibly dangerous.

“It does raise some serious concerns”

The trend poses a possible serious safety risk (Getty Stock Images)

While admitting he’s ‘not a fan of the dating trend’ himself, Jacob, who has amassed an impressive 785k following on TikTok, raised several serious concerns about the Bob the Builder trend, as it could see women putting their own safety at risk by inviting an unknown person into their home.

“Honestly, I’m not a fan of this new dating trend. I see the benefit of finding a man who is great at DIY and that does come in handy, but it does raise some serious concerns if that’s why you are dating someone,” he said.

“First of all, you should never let a man know where you live on a first date. I always tell clients this. For all you know the man could be a complete weirdo and you could end up in some very bad situations if you invite the wrong person into your home. The risk isn’t worth him fixing a couple of broken door hinges.”

It’s certainly a fair point, and it’s always recommended to meet a new date in a busy, public area and always tell trusted friends or family where you will be. Bonus points if you share your live location with a loved one.

Not good for relationships

Not only does it pose serious safety risks, but Jacob also argues that the Bob the Builder trend is also ‘dishonest’ and takes away from the ability to meet someone genuinely.

“It takes away from dating someone for who they are, but instead they are dating them to save money and for their skills. This feels very dishonest and they are using people,” he continued.

“Instead, people should be dating to find a genuine connection with someone. However, I will say if you find men who are builders, etc, attractive because you love a man who is good with his hands that is completely fine, and there’s many great guys out there like that.

“However, you shouldn’t expect him or trick him into doing these DIY tasks for you.”

Instead, the dating expert says you should build a genuine connection with a potential partner, and if they care about you, they will naturally want to help you, which might mean repairing a few bits around the house.