Homeowners have been urged to ensure that any improvements they make to their homes do not end up costing them more in the long run.

Fairinvestment.co.uk, the personal finance portal, has urged anyone planning a major DIY project to check with their insurer.

This warning comes during National Maintenance Week when homeowners are encouraged to carry out repairs to make their properties more energy efficient and prepare them for winter.

James Caldwell, director of Fairinvestment.co.uk, said certain alterations could invalidate home insurance policies.

"Britain's love of DIY can spell disaster for some home owners if they neglect to tell their insurers of the changes they have made," he said.

"Whether it’s knocking down a wall, adding an extension or simply replacing the windows, you could end up out of pocket if you press ahead with the work before informing your insurer."

Mr Caldwell added: "For the time it takes to make the call, it is certainly worth the effort and could save you a hefty bill if things go wrong."

As well as possibly invalidating any home insurance policy, overzealous renovations are also a major cause of household accidents.

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