DIY enthusiasts will cause £25 million of damage to their homes over the Easter weekend, a leading insurer has warned.

Research by Allianz has warned that home improvement efforts over the bank holiday could land homeowners with a large repair bill.

More than half (55 per cent) admitted to taking on jobs without the correct tools, while around the same number (50 per cent) said they did not know what they were doing.

"Before they start, we suggest DIY enthusiasts should check to see if their insurance policy covers them for accidental damage in case the job goes horribly wrong," said Simon Coughlin, spokesman for Allianz.

"The average cost of a claim for DIY related damage is £600 and our claims staff expect to be busier than usual following a Bank holiday weekend."

Around a fifth of respondents to the Allianz poll said they had at least one DIY job currently unfinished, while six per cent had at least five on the go.

People in the north-east are the most likely to experience problems during their DIY efforts, while those in the south-east were the most cautious.

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