Whether its Changing Rooms or Extreme Makeover, nearly eight million Brits claim to be so inspired by DIY programmes on television that they tackle some home improvement projects of their own. However, almost six million of these DIY novices admitted their efforts led to disaster.
Around 600,000 were forced to make a home insurance claim after self-inflicted mishaps. Consequently homeowners are urged to check their home insurance policies to ensure they have adequate cover and to take precautions to avoid mishaps.
Generally if a job is beyond your capabilities, hire a professional. This is particularly important for electrical work - ensure you know where all electrical wiring is before you start drilling through walls. Remember too to use equipment safely - according to a comparison website, tools are responsible for 21,300 accidents in the UK each year so always read the manual.
It's best not to undertake DIY alone just in case something goes wrong - 20 per cent of DIY hospitalisations every year come from falls from ladders, so have someone with you who can hold the ladder in place. Also be careful to watch out for weak spots - such as loose boards or when carrying out work in a loft or attic.
Unfortunately, around 200,000 people do go to hospital each year as a result of a DIY disaster - so accidents do happen. That's why home insurance is so important yet it is often overlooked - around 17 per cent of homeowners do not have accidental damage cover.
It's best to inform your insurer before you carry out any work to ensure you're covered - particularly for structural changes.