What not to forget as you turn your house into a home.
A splash of paint
New home? Or new ideas? Painting a room is a cheap way to make a big impact but paint spills on carpets are a common reason to claim. Check to see if your carpet is covered...with a dust sheet...and accidental damage cover on your policy.
Spring a leak
Leaks in kitchens and bathrooms can be an expensive problem to fix. If you're planning to tackle any plumbing yourself, double check you know what's involved, as older plumbing is often harder to fix than it looks. Check all pipe joints are secure, and whether your policy covers you for DIY damage to plumbing.
Mind the gap
If you’re taking out windows and doors for any length of time, even overnight, check what steps your insurer wants you to take while your home isn’t 100% secured. If your home is more vulnerable to thieves, it’s better to be on the safe side.
Know the drill
Always check for electrical cables and pipes with a multi-meter before you drill holes in the wall to prevent accidental damage to walls. Pin your policy details down too. Check whether you’ll need additional accidental damage cover to cover you for DIY accidents.
Moving out temporarily
If you’re planning to leave your home unoccupied for longer than 30 days it’s important to advise your insurer to discuss how this may affect your cover. You may not be able to claim for loss or damage that happens if you leave your property unattended for longer than 30 days.
Avoid garden flooding
Changing levels in your garden with a new deck or patio can leave you at risk of flooding so don’t forget to do your research. Before you start any major projects like this, it’s always worth checking the specifics of your policy. If anything’s not clear speak to your insurer before you start.