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DIY disasters 'cost homeowners millions'

Over-enthusiastic householders will cause £25 million of DIY damage this Easter weekend, Allianz said today.

According to the insurance firm, 16 per cent of people have previously faced their home improvements work - often funded by an unsecured loan - go disastrously wrong.

Worse, a majority (55 per cent) said that they had previously started a DIY job without having the correct equipment - and half also said that they had begun work "without knowing what to do".

Simon Coughlin at Allianz said: "Before they start, we suggest DIY enthusiasts should check to see if their insurance policy covers them for accidental damage in case the job goes horribly wrong.

"The average cost of a claim for DIY related damage is £600 and our claims staff expects to be busier than usual following a Bank Holiday weekend."

He added: "We encourage people to take good care of their homes but it is important they know what they are doing and use the right tools for the job."

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