British homeowners are being warned to be sure about any DIY work they start on their homes and make sure that they are staying with the coverage of their insurance, in case any of the work goes wrong.

Halifax Home Insurance has said that people embarking on major home improvement projects should consider enlisting the services – or at least advice – of a construction professional, so as to make sure that they do not invalidate their insurance policy.

The company said that it recorded some 40,000 accidental damage claims last year, with many relating to DIY accidents such as drilling through pipes or spilling paint.

Martyn Foulds, a senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said that accidental damage claims at the firm topped