Don’t let dodgy DIY become a drama or invalidate your home insurance

With the great news that we now have a road map out of lockdown, it is the perfect time to put a spring in your step and start planning all those seasonal jobs around the home. 

But a word of warning before you pick up those power tools or reach for that repair kit, tackling jobs around the home or garden that you are not qualified to do can damage your health as well as your wealth!

Each year over 200,000 people find themselves in A&E as a result of a DIY accident in the home or garden.

These range from mishaps with power tools and lawnmowers, to falls from ladders and slip ups with knives and scalpels – according to RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Over-ambition and lack of knowledge are two of the biggest factors in DIY accidents causing death and injury.

But as well as potentially damaging your health, you could be putting your property at risk if the DIY dream turns to disaster.  Apparently, one in five of us hate doing DIY, but are happy to attempt jobs that may be out of our league in an attempt to save money.

However, a bodge job could lead to double drama.

Recent research reveals that, worryingly, 29 per cent of DIY-ers said they would attempt plumbing jobs, just under a quarter (24 per cent) would undertake electrical work while 13 per would try to fix the boiler or central heating system. However, for safety reasons, electrical, plumbing and gas work should be carried out by a registered professional.

Tackling jobs you’re not qualified for could also invalidate your home insurance, leaving you liable for the cost of repairing any subsequent damage.

Water damage is among the most common household claims. However, policies exclude damage which has occurred gradually or, damage which could have been avoided by regular maintenance – such as cleaning gutters of leaves. So, it’s important to keep on top of regular home maintenance jobs which could otherwise damage your property over time.

The top 10 maintenance jobs in UK homes

1.   Servicing the boiler
2.   Repairing cracked walls
3.   Painting and repairing exterior paintwork
4.   Fixing a damp problem
5.   Replacing boundary fences or walls
6.   Blocked or damaged gutters
7.   Repairing damaged brickwork or mortar
8.   Fitting smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
9.   Replacing sealant around baths and showers or cracked shower trays or baths
10. Updating electrical wiring.

So, if you are unqualified, unsure or inexperienced – the message is simple ‘leave it to the professionals’.

Safe Local Trades offers A to Z of vetted, qualified, professional trades in your local area at www.safelocaltrades.com