£350 million damage caused by Britons copying DIY shows

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by Kay Murchie

Research from Halifax Home Insurance has discovered that three quarters of a million Britons have caused severe damage to their homes after being inspired by DIY shows such as Changing Rooms, Property Ladder and DIY SOS.

This has resulted in Britons having to fork out more than £350 million to rectify the damage. The nation’s obsession for home makeover shows continues with at least 12 million Britons admitting that they are inclined to copy these shows and embark on a DIY project, spending an average of £4,880 each time.

An astounding 27% of British adults said Changing Rooms had turned them into a Handy Andy. Property Ladder was said to have inspired 22% of Britons into carrying out a similar home improvement, while DIY SOS has inspired 21% of British adults.

A spokesperson for Halifax Home Insurance remarked that these programmes make DIY look easy but people must remember that work on these shows is being performed by trained and skilled professionals.

Halifax continued that by carrying out tasks such as electrics and plumbing could invalidate your home insurance and leave you liable for the cost of any subsequent damage. Halifax advise employing a reliable tradesman rather than risking damage to your home.

Halifax Home Insurance also advises checking your insurance policy before embarking on such projects. Accidental damage to certain areas of your home such as baths, sinks, ceramic hobs and glass in doors are included as standard in most buildings insurance policies, however, additional accident cover may be required to protect against drilling through pipes or putting feet through ceilings.