Home insurance may not cover botch jobs

Damage as a result of botched DIY jobs may not be covered under home insurance cover.

This is the warning issued by Halifax Home Insurance after research showed three-quarters of a million people had caused mayhem in their homes after trying to copy something they had seen in a TV make-over show.

The Halifax says the work done in shows like Changing Rooms and Property Ladder is done by highly skilled workmen and trying to do electrical or plumbing works by yourself could render home insurance policies invalid.

Vicky Emmot, of Halifax Insurance, emphasised the point: "It all looks so simple on TV…but if you don't know what you're doing we'd advise anyone planning any major improvements that DIY should really stand for Don't Involve Yourself.

"It's far better to employ a reputable tradesman than by trying to go it alone."

Halifax advises people to check their policies to see if they have accidental damage cover in addition to standard cover to see the extent to which they are protected in the event of bungled DIY.

16/10/2007 13:57:32