According to a new survey, around a quarter of Brits (28 per cent) will be staying at home this Easter to work on a DIY project - but will they have suitable home insurance in place?

The survey found that nearly two thirds of homeowners (64 per cent) prefer a cost-cutting DIY task to employing a tradesman. However, there are fresh warnings that DIY does not always go as planned and you should check your home insurance cover to ensure you're protected.

It's well worth contacting your home insurance provider before beginning work on a project particularly if it is extensive. For example, adding a new room, knocking down a wall or adjusting the layout of your home could all affect the value of your home insurance premiums so inform the insurer ahead of time to ensure you won't invalidate a claim if one proved necessary. Remember too that larger projects may require permission from the local council.

From there, check your home insurance for accidental damage cover. Generally accidental damage cover is offered for items such as TVs, DVD players, VCRs and other electronic equipment - most insurers include these items as standard. However, for the majority of household items to be covered against accidental damage such as DIY mishaps, paint spills, etc, you may need to take out extra accidental damage cover for an additional premium. There are some insurers, such as M&S Money, which offer unlimited protection.

Though it's great to have home insurance in place you should still try and avoid a claim and potential damage and injury.

Take extra care when using power tools for example and, when working with heights, ensure that the ladder and scaffolding you use is secure. Use protective clothing, and remember to lay down dust sheets in your home and to remove expensive items from the room before you begin a project.



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