South West insurer reveals top five DIY pitfalls
Cornwall’s top five DIY disasters have been revealed by 2014 exhibitors and local insurer Cornish Mutual to help reduce the number of accidents, damage and injuries happening every year in Cornish homes.
With more and more of us attempting DIY jobs rather than getting in the experts, Cornish Mutual’s Member Services team, which is at the front line of dealing with household claims, says there is an alarming similarity in the mishaps people suffer.
The five most common DIY related claims are:
- Electrical system damage, shocks or flooding from hitting wires and pipes while drilling or hammering
- Feet through the ceiling while conducting loft repairs
- Trips and slips due to trailing cables or unevenly laid surfaces
- Dropped paint on carpets and upholstery
- Flat screen televisions and other heavy items falling off walls due to inadequate installation and fixings
Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, said: “Our experience is that people often take on DIY jobs that are beyond their capabilities or that they fail to prepare properly or take into account the risks and how to avoid them.
“Hitting pipes or cables when drilling or stepping through the ceiling whilst working in the loft is the stuff of comedy sketches but it is not funny when it happens in your own home and could leave you with a big repair bill, or worse, lead to serious injury.”
Basic preventative measures include:
- Plan ahead, prepare for the work you are going to do and give yourself plenty of time in which to do it
- Don’t overestimate your abilities. If you’re not sure how to use something don’t be afraid to ask for help or get a professional in.
- Keep children out of the way of DIY equipment and any work being carried out
- Check your insurance – It’s worth checking that you have accidental damage cover so that if the worst happens and you put your foot through the ceiling you know that your home insurance will cover you.
- Know how to handle the tools and equipment you are using keep them well maintained and make sure they are right for the job. Plug power tools into a portable mains safety cut out trip switch and use a pipe and cable detector before drilling walls and floors
- Make sure that hazardous materials are kept safely stored and working areas are clearly marked out
- Find out where your stopcock is before you start any work with water
- Always wear the appropriate protective clothing like goggles, gloves and head gear
Our Top Tip – Come along to the Cornwall Home & Lifestyle Show this May and meet the professionals!
Cornish Mutual is the only general insurer based in the South West offering insurance to individuals, businesses and farms.
In 2012, the Truro-based firm became the first mutual insurance company in the UK to hold Chartered Insurer status, one of 24 insurers in the country to achieve the highest level of recognition from the CI institute.
Cornish Mutual provides household, commercial, farm, events and personal accident insurance across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. For more information visit: www.cornishmutual.co.uk
