DIY home insurance warning

Anyone planning on embarking on a DIY project over the Easter break should check their home insurance cover before they do so, one expert has warned.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager for Halifax Home Insurance explained that while accidental damage to some parts of the home, such as sinks and baths, are usually covered by policies, some other DIY disasters might not be.

Anyone who accidentally drills through a water pipe, spills paint on a carpet or puts their foot through a ceiling might find that they are not covered by their home insurance policy .

Mr Foulds said: TV home makeover shows make it all appear so simple, and it's easy to forget that these are highly skilled professionals.

In reality, trying to tackle certain areas you are not qualified for such as electrics or plumbing could invalidate your home insurance policy, leaving you liable for any subsequent damage.

A recent study by Sainsbury's found that 1.78 million said they did not have buildings insurance .