Homeowners across the UK are being urged to think twice before doing any DIY as it could lead to thousands of pounds of extra costs.
A recent report found that 75 percent of UK homeowners could unknowingly be putting their home insurance at risk by carrying out renovations.
Major projects, such as adding an extension or converting a loft, can help to increase the overall value of your home, but households should be aware that it may also invalidate their insurance.
Home and property experts Alan Boswell Group warn that households could end up paying up to £5,000 in extra costs if they aren’t properly insured for any major DIY changes they make to their property.
Failure to update your insurance policy means that the cost of any repairs may not be covered, leaving homeowners to foot the bill – and potentially pay thousands.
The insurance brokers warn: “Before diving into renovations, it’s essential to understand how changes to your home can affect its value and your insurance coverage.
“Significant renovations can leave you underinsured if your policy isn’t updated, which means costly repairs might not be covered. This could lead to you having to fork out up to £5,000 in repair costs.”
New research found that UK homeowners paid an average of £3,864 in home maintenance in 2022 – a 5.8 percent increase on the year before.
These works included major issues including electrical wiring, damp, brickwork faults and boiler issues, as well as smaller problems like gutter blockages, missing roof tiles and leaking radiators.
Alan Boswell advises that homeowners who are planning any major renovations to their property, such as an extension, knocking down internal walls, or loft conversions, should notify their insurer before starting the work.
The experts add: “These kinds of structural changes can significantly alter the value and integrity of your home. Ensuring your policy reflects the updated value of your home and covers any potential risks is essential. Usually accidental damage, faulty workmanship are excluded whilst building works are in progress.”
