Three quarters of a million homeowners have caused damage to their property after trying to emulate popular TV home improvement shows, new research from Halifax Home Insurance has claimed.

The study noted that in the past five years no fewer than 12 million Brits embarked on their own DIY projects, spending an average of £4,480 each.

Of those would-be home improvement aficionados, some 750,000 ended up doing more harm than good to their dwellings - with the total cost of repairing all the damage coming to a shocking £350 million each year.

"It all looks so simple on TV, making it easy to forget the work on makeover shows is being carried out by highly trained and skilled professionals," said Halifax spokesperson Vicky Emmott.

"If you don't know what you're doing we'd advise anyone planning any major improvements that DIY should really stand for 'Don't Involve Yourself'."

Ms Emmott added that home insurance policies can be put at risk by hapless DIY adventures, for example due to compromised window and door security.

"It's far better to employ a reputable tradesman than to risk damaging your home by going it alone," concluded Ms Emmott.

Click here for a selection of professionally-installed products available from Safestyle.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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