When DIY goes wrong, it is costing Brits a total £331million in damages, Santander home insurance has found.

To save money while household budgets are stretched, 72 per cent of Brits planning to make home improvements this year are opting for DIY – 20 per cent more than last year – but 14 per cent of those who ‘do it themselves’ have a DIY mishap.

While DIY Brits might be saving money by doing the work themselves, it is costing them an average £344 each to repair the damage they are causing to their own homes, if they do not have accidental damage cover included in their home insurance.

Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sard, chief executive of Santander Insurance UK, said: “This is traditionally the season when homeowners would take time out to beautify their home or make essential repairs. In the past it may have been more efficient and easier to hire help to get these jobs done, but with budgets across the country being squeezed, homeowners are instead attempting to do the work themselves.”

Furthermore, Brits are turning their hand to an extensive list of DIY; in addition to the common tasks such as painting and decorating, or tiling the bathroom, householders are also fitting kitchen appliances, taking on general carpentry,  building a new porch or patio, bricklaying, and retiling the roof.

Santander home insurance, recipient of a 5 star rating from Defaqto for its Peace of Mind home insurance, offers optional extended cover for accidental damage caused in the home, including that inflicted by way of DIY.

© Fair Investment Company Ltd

Apply here for Santander home insurance and get 3 months FREE »