The recession has had a negative effect on most people's finances over the past few years, meaning that people are looking to save money wherever they can. Holidays are being cancelled, luxuries are a rarity and many people are opting to do a little DIY in their homes instead of hiring a professional.
What many people don't consider is what would they do if their DIY went wrong? The main type of DIY that tends to go wrong is plumbing. If you spot a leak in the bathroom or kitchen and attempt to rectify it yourself and it goes wrong, your insurer may be reluctant to pay out. More than often the work you do will cause more damage than good, so unless you're a qualified plumber, don't attempt to do the work yourself- it could potentially invalidate your home insurance policy.
If you're carrying out minor changes to your home, think carefully about whether it will add any value to your home. If you're simply painting your kitchen you need not worry, but if you're thinking of installing a new bathroom or kitchen cabinets this could add value to your home. It is important to notify your insurer about any changes you make whether or not they seem trivial. It is important to both you and your insurer that you have given an accurate estimation of what you'd like to be covered for so you don't get paid out too little in the event of a claim.
Ideally you should always hire a professional to carry out work on your home
Remember to keep all receipts from any professional work carried out, so if you need to claim on your insurance due to this work you can prove to your insurer that you took the necessary precautions to prevent making a claim. Also, always make sure that the contractor/builder/plumber/electrician is registered and had a good reputation.
London Handyman Services are always ready to do these tasks for you.
Before carrying out any work, follow these simple yet effective tips before you start…
- Remove all soft furnishings from the room if painting or plastering. Curtains, cushions, rugs and sofas can be expensive to replace so be safe and remove them from the room before you start.
- Think before you drill. Are there any wires or pipes behind the area you're thinking of drilling through?
- Contact your local council. For alterations with the structure of your house you may need planning permission to make sure the changes made will comply with building regulations. The council has the right to remove any work done if it doesn't comply with their regulations, so its better to check first than be sorry later.
- Be safe. Remember it's not just your home you're tampering with- you could get injured as well. Always wear gloves and goggles before using any form of tool or chemical. A trip to A & E is the last thing you'd need!
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