'Don't invalidate home insurance creating dream home'

Almost half of UK householders might want to make sure they take out adequate home insurance before embarking upon turning their properties into their dream houses.

Research by home insurance Halifax has highlighted that 11 million UK households plan to transform their properties through a grand design, to the collective tune of £153 billion.

Almost one million homeowners make improvements to their properties every year as a result of home envy - being inspired by a friend or neighbour's handiwork in their home.

The average home makeover project is estimated by the home insurance provider to cost £13,800, however a slip of the paintbrush and Britons could find themselves claiming for more than £500 million in damage per year.

Halifax Home Insurance's Senior Manager of Underwriting, Vicky Emmott, advised Britons to avoid disasters by employing reputable tradesmen.

"Indeed, trying to tackle certain areas that you are not qualified for, such as electrics or plumbing, could invalidate your home insurance and leave you liable for the cost of any subsequent damage."

According to a study conducted by Churchill, a fifth of householders may have risked having to claim on their home insurance by damaging their property or its contents during DIY.

UK residents could receive up to 15 per cent off their home insurance when they take combined buildings and contents cover with Kwik-Fit Insurance.

© Adfero Ltd

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