Property owners inspired by DIY television programmes must check the details of their home insurance policy before undertaking any improvements, one industry figure has stated.

Simon Lamble, from Confused.com, is warning consumers their provider may be very specific as to who is qualified to carry out modifications and if it is not scrutinised, homeowners could find any damage they have done is not covered.

Recent research from the price comparison website found over 5.9 million people have attempted home improvements and made mistakes, with 600,000 admitting they have claimed on their insurance as a result.

Mr Lamble is urging other people considering modifying their properties to consult with their insurer before doing so.

"Some policies stipulate that only professionally-accredited tradesmen should carry out certain work, so it is worth checking that you are not inadvertently rendering your insurance invalid," he said.

Confused.com is a price comparison site which was launched in 2000 and last year claims to have helped people with more than 1.2 million quotes.

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