Bank Holiday botchers could face big bills for their dodgy DIY

While householders across the UK dust off their toolboxes this August Bank Holiday, Halifax Home Insurance urges them to check they are adequately covered to avoid unexpected bills.  While 63% of people say they carry out their own home improvements to save money, the latest research from the insurer showed that a quarter of homeowners do not know whether their home insurance covers them for accidental damage, and one in 10 have no home insurance at all.  Those who aren't covered could face bills running into thousands if things don't go to plan.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said; "These figures suggest that homeowners who are trying to save cash by carrying out DIY are potentially risking hefty bills, so it is worth ensuring you have the right cover before embarking on any home improvements over the holiday. For more specialist jobs, such as those involving gas, electrical, plumbing or structural work, it's always best to call in the qualified experts, otherwise homeowners risk invalidating their home insurance policy if things go awry."

While more than three quarters (77%) of householders would be confident enough to tackle painting, and half would attempt to put up shelves, more than ten per cent (11%) would fit a new kitchen, and one in 20 (5%) would be willing to fit a new gas fire themselves, something Halifax would not recommend.

Halifax Home Insurance offers the following tips to help those planning to DIY this Bank Holiday weekend:

Preparation is key - make sure you have all the correct tools and equipment for the job before you start to avoid coming unstuck later on

Plan a budget beforehand and stick to it

Call a professional for jobs involving gas, electrical or plumbing work. When choosing a tradesman, ask for references and certificates to demonstrate that they are competent and reliable

Contact  your insurer if any work is being carried out which will change the structure of the home such as an  extension or garage, etc

Accidental damage to some parts of the home such as sinks, baths and ceramic hobs is included in many home insurance policies, but it is worth considering purchasing additional accidental damage cover to protect against common DIY mishaps such as spilling paint, drilling through pipes, or putting feet through ceilings.