Easter neglect may lead to higher debts

Britons may find their debts increase if they fail to carry out much-needed renovations on faults to their house.

This was the conclusion of a study by insurance firm Aviva, which found 9.5 million Britons will undertake DIY over the Easter break but are likely to miss important problems on the outside of their homes.

It found only 15 per cent of householders regularly check their chimney stacks as recommended by surveyors and it noted weaknesses in this part of the building can lead to damp problems and a potential £1,000 bill.

Other unchecked faults could cause further problems adding up to as much as £10,000, with slipping tiles among other common issues.

Director of home insurance at Aviva Heather Smith said: "Many of the common and expensive problems that affect homes often begin outside the home."

Many Britons will have had their recent attention focused on matters indoors, such as the temperature during winter.

Data from the Office for National Statistics has shown Britons cut back on energy use in the past two winters, suggesting cash-strapped consumers are struggling to afford the cost of heating after recent price hikes.

By Joe White