Debt threat as DIY weekend looms

Many households could find themselves facing serious debt as a result of botched DIY jobs carried out over the August bank holiday.

This is the warning given by Halifax Insurance, which has found a quarter of homeowners are not aware whether their home insurance covers for accidental damage, such as inadvertently breaching pipes, putting feet through ceilings or spilling paint.

In addition to this, ten per cent do not have any home insurance at all.

"These figures suggest that homeowners who are trying to save cash by carrying out DIY are potentially risking hefty bills," said senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance Martyn Foulds.

Halifax advised people to ensure they are covered and that work involving plumbing, gas or electrical appliances should only be carried out by a qualified and accredited professional.

This weekend may be a very tempting one for householders to stay in and do some DIY, as the Met Office weather forecast is for wind, rain and even electrical storms across large parts of the country.

By James Francis