Are you one of those people who, at the start of a new year, creates a list of things you would like to achieve during the forthcoming months?  For many that list includes home maintenance and improvement projects.

Installing a new kitchen or bathroom is one of the most common home improvements people make.  But these projects can be costly and disruptive, therefore it’s important you get your budget and timescales right to avoid unexpected costs or additional disruption to you and your family.  Many people add a 20% contingency to their budget to be on the safe side.

Here is the top 10 list of home improvements people typically make:

1. New kitchen
2. New bathroom
3. New boiler or central heating system
4. Garden makeover
5. Home extension
6. Installing new double-glazing
7. Knocking through rooms
8. Getting a loft conversion
9.  Buying a conservatory/enhancing current convervatory
10. Installing solar panels

But where do you start to get your project off the ground?

Many people ask friends and family for recommended suppliers or use community groups, such as social media, to find out who they have used and would recommend. The final choice is, of course, up to you and who you feel with undertake the work to your satisfaction, timescales and budget.

At the outset you should speak to your insurance provider to make sure the work you plan to undertake is insured from start to finish and any changes required to your policy is undertaken. You should also get a copy of your supplier and contractors insurance cover just in case things go wrong and you need to make a claim.

Planning and preparing for home improvements can make sure that there are no hidden surprises along the way and  you reap the benefits the enhancements you make to your home.

For more information about your home insurance, please contact a member of the Insurewise Team on sales@insurewise.co.uk or call 01733 325555.