Home Insurance And Decorating

There are several points to consider before decorating. Important points include which colour scheme to go for, how best to acquire the requisite tools for the job and how long the job will take to complete. More important than any of these considerations is the impact that any decoration – or, more likely, attempted decoration – will have on the home insurance policy undertaken by the homeowner. This is not always a consideration that is at the forefront of the mind as the redecoration of a room looms large, but it is sure to be the main focus of all minds if anything were to go wrong. It is therefore vital to understand exactly what is achievable with any renovation – whether that is in terms of building regulations or considerations of home insurance.

Before commencing any work, a would-be renovator should review his home insurance policy to refresh himself with exactly what is and is not covered. A list of generally accepted home insurance policies can be found online, along with details of how to search for comprehensive insurance cover.

For example, a home insurance policy would not be valid if a policy holder undertook the installation of an electric shower. Such electrical installations are covered by Part P of the Building Regulations, and are therefore required to be carried out and certified by an electrician registered with a government-recognised accreditation body, such as the NICEIC or ECA. The same is true of gas installations, which must be completed by an engineer accredited by the Gas Safe Register.

While such renovations are more complex (though nevertheless attempted by homeowners still used to more laissez-faire regulatory procedures), there are a number of “standard” renovations still attempted without proper care and attention to the home insurance policy. A common error made during renovation is the lack of care given to using the correct materials. Attempting to sand or strip using hard machinery without first reading and complying with safety instructions is sure to invalidate any insurance claim, as is not wearing the correct attire. While many people in an everyday situation would concede that it is a necessity to wear the requisite protective gear when using heavy electrical equipment, they often lose site of the correct procedures when presented with a renovation task.

When renovating it is also important to take all steps possible to reduce every aspect of risk. In a commercial environment this document is called a risk assessment, but there is no equivalent in the private home. However, assessing the dangers is vital to ensure both health and insurance are intact when it comes to completing the work and making any subsequent claim. Simple things such as checking the safety of equipment and ensuring electric wires are kept out of the way make a big difference when it come s to the success of such decorating projects.

While it may be appealing to save money by completing the work without due care and attention, when compared to the cost of an invalid claim it is a false economy. The saying goes that it pays to be smart, and this is no truer than in home decorating. In consideration of your own home it may make sense to bring in the professionals.