Making home improvements can increase the value of your property and can significantly add to your well-being.
For many people, converting a bedroom into an en-suite, adding a conservatory or converting the loft into a bedroom may be an ideal way to increase the price of the property. But what isn’t always known is that their current home insurance cover could become invalid due to DIY improvements not being covered by their existing policy.
What could possibly go wrong?
The principal areas that should never be tampered with in your home by yourself are electrics and plumbing or changes to load bearing walls. You must ensure that any rewiring or plumbing that goes on in your home is by a certified electrician or plumber and construction works are completed by a certified builder. This would cover you if anything was to go wrong with the work they completed.
If you were found to have made alterations to your plumbing and it caused water damage to your carpets and appliances, your insurer may not pay-out. It could cost you thousands to fix, especially if you share a property wall or ceiling with another property as they would also need to be compensated.
So, what can I do myself?
Painting and decorating as well as minor changes which do not compromise the buildings structure or utilities can be completed by yourself as well as changes to internal walls which are not load bearing.
Give your insurer a call
The best way to be sure you are not invalidating your insurance is to call your current insurer. Explain to them that you intend to improve your home yourself and check to see what you are covered for and what they will pay out on in case of an accident. Ensure that you have accidental damage cover included in your policy to cover all bases. Accidental damage can usually be added to a policy for a relatively small extra charge. You may be offered restricted cover as it will be down to the builder’s liability insurance and be given something known as FLEEA cover.
Fire
Lightning
Earthquake
Explosion
Aircraft
Some insurance companies will also include subsidence cover and most, but not all, will include Property Owners’ Liability.
So, before you make any of those home improvements, check out your insurance and make sure you will still be covered. If you would like to discuss a new quote for home insurance, our specialist home insurance team are on hand to offer you a competitive quote. Just give us a call on 01243 219333.
