Home Interior Design

Advice on Domestic DIY Projects

Interior design and home insurance

Perhaps you've picked up some design ideas and feel you're ready to tackle some interior design. However, before you start the job there is one more important consideration - home insurance.

Why do you need home insurance for interior design?

According to research by the AA in 2009, more than a third of Brits spend time at home on interior design and DIY projects over a typical bank holiday weekend, but one in 10 suffers a mishap that costs more than £100 to rectify.

This is where home insurance comes in - because it can provide a safety net in case things go wrong. Accidental damage is the single largest category of home insurance claim and it is there to pick up the pieces if an interior design project doesn't go as planned.

So what home insurance cover do you need?

Home insurance policies can vary widely between companies so you shouldn't assume that just because you have building and contents cover you are automatically protected no matter what project you plan. Check the terms and conditions of your policy for exclusions (the circumstances in which you will not be covered) and consult your insurance provider ahead of time to ensure you will be protected while work is undertaken.

In particular, look out for the following cover options:

- Accidental damage cover: Many home insurance companies only cover accidental damage cover to electrical items - if this is the case you may need to take out 'extended accidental damage cover' which is an optional extra on many policies. Accidental damage cover is designed to cover you against the unexpected such as fused electrics, shelves collapsing and paint spills, but you should check the terms and conditions carefully to see exactly what is and isn't covered. For example, many policies exclude 'escape of water' because plumbing accidents are so common.

- Liability cover: It's sensible to ask a friend or family member to help you with an interior design project, but what if they are injured while assisting you? Look for liability cover.

- Home emergency cover: If you were to damage an essential service in your home, could you afford to pay for a tradesman to come out and resolve the problem as soon as possible? Many home insurance policies offer home emergency cover as an added extra which provides help with the cost of call-outs from qualified tradesmen.

In addition, check the policy limits on both your buildings and contents cover before you begin any work. For example, if you're renovating a property then you may affect its rebuild value. Similarly if you are investing in new furniture, lights and other decorative items as part of your interior design project then you should ensure they are covered under the contents aspect of your home insurance. Typically, home insurance providers apply single item limits to contents insurance in the region of £1,500.

Also consider the excess level on your policy. The excess is your contribution towards a claim and setting it at a high level can lower your insurance premiums. However, you should only set it at a level you can comfortably afford - bear in mind that if it is set too high, there may be little reason to make a claim.

Is it easier to just hire a professional?

It's not necessarily lazy to hire a professional to do a job for you - it can often be sensible and cost effective. Professionals should have access to the right equipment and materials and be able to tackle a job quicker and more effectively than you.

However, hiring a professional doesn't come without risks. You should shop around before hiring someone to ensure they are reputable - look for recommendations from friends and family members. Make sure you get a clear estimate and a written contract so there are no issues over payments.

You should also ensure that anyone you hire has suitable insurance in place. Typically, a professional should have:

- Employers' liability insurance: In case an employee is injured in your home.

- Public liability insurance: To cover any damages caused to your property.

- Tool insurance: In case any equipment is lost or stolen.

How can you avoid home insurance claims?

While home insurance provides a welcome safety net in case things go wrong it's still best to avoid claims as they may cause premiums to rise and you will still have to pay the excess on a claim. So here are some tips to avoid accidents:

- Buy a detector: Detectors are available from most DIY stores and can be used to find hidden wires and pipes that run behind walls.

- Clear your rooms: Remove as many items from a room as possible before beginning an interior design project to prevent unnecessary accidents. Anything that can't be moved should be covered with dust sheets to avoid paint spillages.

- Get advice: Most DIY centres carry leaflets on common projects which could offer some time-saving hints.

- Read instructions: Make sure you read the instructions and safety leaflets on any equipment you plan to use.

- Take steps to safety: Wear appropriate clothing, including masks and goggles, and ask a friend to assist you with tasks such as holding a ladder to help avoid injury.

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