''Tell insurance company before painting kitchen''

05/06/2008

Homeowners carrying out DIY work in their kitchens and bathrooms should notify their insurance company first, an expert has advised.

Rhiannon Harris, a spokesperson for independent intermediary Endsleigh, said insurance policies tend to not cover damage caused by works to a property, including that from faulty workmanship, flawed design and poor materials.

She also noted that other projects typically carried out in a home's bathroom or kitchen, such as decorating or renovation, are usually not covered on an insurance policy.

"By the same token, we must be advised of any alteration of the risk, so this will include any DIY projects, in order that we may consider the continuation of cover in general," Ms Harris commented.

Research by insurance company Zurich found 47 per cent of homeowners do not inform their policy providers about major DIY projects, while 73 per cent do not know if they are covered for such works.

It also found the most common DIY projects to be painting with 83 per cent doing this and bleeding radiators at 72 per cent.