DIY has been on the rise for years, and it’s a fantastic way to spruce up or maintain your home.
Whether it’s a full kitchen makeover, a few minor improvements to create a home office, or neatening up your garden, doing it yourself has many benefits.
It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, it’s hugely satisfying, and when done right, it can be highly cost-effective. It also lets you put your own personal stamp on your property and potentially increase its value, too.
But, while DIY offers numerous benefits, it also comes with a unique set of risks.
Fortunately, your home insurance can help you protect your home, your tools, and the work you do.
Here’s why home insurance is essential for DIYers, what to watch out for, and how to ensure your policy aligns with your passion for improving your property.
How Home Insurance Can Protect You
With the right home insurance coverage, you’ll be protected against many of the risks that come with DIY projects.
Covers Tools and Personal Property
DIY tools and machinery are an expensive but worthwhile investment. In addition to covering your household contents and your home itself, some policies extend coverage to items like tools, ladders, and machinery stored in your shed or garage.
However, certain limits may apply, so you must check whether additional content cover is needed.
Covers Accidental Damage
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of an innocent mistake when DIYing. Drilling into a wall might seem straightforward until you hit a water pipe or electrical wiring, or you may accidentally crack a window when fixing the frame or cause cosmetic damage when power hosing a wall or drive.
Even minor errors can lead to expensive repairs you never anticipated. Fortunately, many insurers offer accidental damage coverage that covers the cost of an unexpected and costly mishap.
Protects Against Fire and Water Damage
If your policy includes fire and water damage coverage, you may be protected in the event of accidental damage caused during or as a result of your DIYing.
House fires and floods can come from the most unexpected sources, and even when work is carried out correctly, they’re sometimes unavoidable. Just remember that the cover will only be valid if you can prove the work was done legally and competently.
Includes Public Liability Insurance
Tall ladders, sharp tools, and heavy items are all part of DIYing. With so many risks, accidents inevitably happen, and liability coverage is essential if someone is injured on your property due to your DIY work.
It can cover legal costs and compensation claims and provide a vital safety net, especially during larger projects involving visitors or contractors.
How To Keep Your DIY Projects Covered
Because DIY extends beyond your standard insurance cover, you must proactively protect your investment. You can do this by:
Informing Your Insurer About Your Renovation Plans
Before knocking down walls or adding extensions to your home, you need to notify your insurer, as failing to do so could void your coverage. Insurance companies want to know if the value of your home is changing or if structural alterations could affect your risk profile.
Checking If You Need Specialist Renovation Insurance
In addition to notifying your insurer about your plans, you need to check if additional renovation insurance is required or if you need to adjust your current policy. Some insurers offer short-term renovation add-ons that provide added protection while work is underway.
Getting the Right Permits
Even if you’re doing the work yourself, you need to check with your local council or building authority before making structural changes. If you don’t have the correct permits in place and something goes wrong, your insurers may deny your claim.
Using Licensed Professionals Where Required
DIY doesn’t mean doing everything yourself, especially when it comes to electrics, plumbing, and gas. This type of work typically requires licensed professionals by law, and for good reason. This ensures safety, and insurers are more likely to cover claims when qualified experts are involved.
Documenting Your Project
Keeping detailed records of your project is an excellent idea as it helps to support any insurance claims that may arise.
These records can include:
- Before and after photos and videos
- Receipts for materials
- Permits (if required)
- Contractor invoices
Conclusion
Home improvement is a fantastic way to express creativity and build value in your property, but it should never come at the cost of personal or financial security.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, your home insurance shouldn’t just be a backup plan in case of disaster; it should offer you a feeling of security that ensures your hard work doesn’t go to waste if something goes wrong.
Make sure your home insurance policy works as hard as you do by reviewing it before every major DIY project. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy the rewards of your efforts, knowing your investment is secure.
