HANDY households looking to spruce up their homes should watch out for taking on certain jobs themselves – or risk hefty fines.
The hiked cost of living has pushed many of us to go further to save cash, but certain changes have to follow strict regulations.
1
If you don’t, you could face fines of up to £5,000 and risk invalidating your home insurance in the process.
For example, there are special regulations for electrical installations in particular rooms, such as bathrooms, due to the risk of mixing water and electricity.
Part P of the Building Regulations for England and Wales was introduced to protect homeowners.
Not having the appropriate certification when significant electric work is carried out may also cause problems when it comes to selling your home.
Servicing your own boiler is illegal too, and while not servicing isn’t against the law, it could leave you uninsured if problems arise.
Meanwhile, badly maintained properties – or bodged DIY jobs – are costing homeowners millions every year in denied insurance payouts, according to tradespeople platform MyBuilder.com.
Insurers often require you to maintain your home to a good enough standard.
This includes carrying out general maintenance, such as clearing out your gutters, and avoiding damage directly – or indirectly – caused by DIY jobs.
It’s essential that policyholders check the smallprint before carrying out jobs themselves.
Andy Simms, a property expert from MyBuilder.com, said: “If damage ensues as a result of DIY, or an accident happens, you could find yourself in a situation where your insurer will not pay out.
“This can even be the case if you didn’t cause any damage during the job – but if a problem occurred later.
“Particularly with fixes or maintenance on boilers, heating systems, or electrics.”
Below are common “DIY” jobs you’re better off avoiding doing yourself, according to MyBuilder.com.
Blocked gutters
It may not sound like a big deal – but blocked gutters can lead to significant damage to your property.
They damage it by causing seeping damp, which is both costly to fix and unhealthy to breathe in.
Figures from Utilita Energy show more than a fifth of homes suffer from damp.
If left untreated, you could end up with mould on your walls or ceilings.
If your insurer has reason to believe that your gutters have not been cleared, they are unlikely to pay out for any damp related issues.
Installing your own solar panels
Solar panels are increasing in popularity – but they are also expensive.
Experts at MyBuilder.com warned against buying and installing your own, as it’s not only potentially dangerous, but is also likely to render your insurance useless if you end up with issues.
There is no harm in shopping around for second hand or discounted panels, but always get an expert to install them.
The initial cost of installing solar panels can seem like a lot, but they can save you money in the long-term.
How much you save depends on many panels you have and how much electricity you use.
It also depends on where you live, as some areas will naturally get more sunshine than others.
Energyhelpline estimates that a three-bedroom house in the South of England could expect to save around £400 a year if it had solar panels.
The same property in North Wales would save around £350, and in East Scotland just £300.
Installing animal flap
Anything that might impact the safety and security of your home could also impact your insurance, including cat and dog flaps.
This is particularly an issue if it’s big enough for a person to climb thorugh.
Some insurers will ask if an animal flap is a feature in your home, and if you install one without telling them, your insurance may be void.
Not mending damage promptly
Roof tiles coming off, cracks in walls or broken windows are all good examples of damage that needs to be repaired – and quickly.
Should an issue occur in your home that can be attributed to problems that should have been fixed, you’ll find yourself with no payout.
Likewise, not declaring building work is another common reason for people getting caught out.
It is essential to update insurers as soon as possible if you are planning structural works, like an extension, before you start.
Routine maintenance and decoration aren’t usually an issue, but not keeping insurers up to date on anything structural could result in your policy being declared void.
Non-secure windows and doors
Not having secure enough windows and doors are a problem when it comes to payouts after burglaries.
Any cracks in windows, weaknesses in frames or dodgy locks should be replaced as quickly as you can – both to prevent any burglaries from happening in the first place and to satisfy your insurer in the event of a claim.
If your home is broken into and the insurance provider suspects a weakness in security, you may struggle to get a payout.
Servicing your boiler
Any work with oil, gas, or electricity boilers needs to be undertaken by a certified professional.
Doing a DIY job on any of these systems is not only illegal, but also risks your home insurance and life.
A boiler that’s well-serviced keeps your heating in good working order.
If it does fall into disrepair and problems aren’t fixed, in the very worst case it may explode or could leak carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.
We explain how often to get your boiler service and who to call in our guide.
