Homeowners encouraged to check building insurance policies

This week is National Maintenance Week and it takes place each year in November to remind anyone who looks after a building of the simple steps they can take to get ready for the winter season.

Consequently, homeowners are being encouraged to carry out any repairs or maintenance on their properties in order to make them more energy efficient as the winter season approaches.

However, homeowners are urged to inform their insurance providers before they carry out any major renovation work as their cover may be invalid if they neglect to report alterations to their homes.

Recent research has discovered that 2 in 3 people are unaware that their insurance company needs to be notified before they undertake any major construction work, which could impose limitations to their cover whilst the work is being completed.

Those who proceed with alteration plans could see their claims rejected in the event of any damage. Some smaller jobs will be covered as part of the existing cover plan. However, larger work such as small extensions or loft conversions may require specialist small-level insurance to ensure a home is protected.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the average Briton spends almost 20 minutes every day carrying out repairs or gardening and with an annual DIY bill of around £16 billion, this confirms Britain’s obsession with DIY.

A spokesperson for Fair Investment Company said the obsession with DIY can result in disaster for some homeowners if they fail to tell their insurers of the alterations they have made. Whether it’s building an extension or replacing windows, you may end up out of pocket if you press ahead with the work before informing your insurer.

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