Have you been inspired by a television home makeover project to do some DIY work around your home? Many people find out the hard way that DIY jobs don’t always save money and a poorly executed home improvement project may compromise your Pennsylvania home insurance coverage.

There are five things to ask yourself before undertaking a DIY project:

•    Do I know what is involved in this job? It’s best to do some research to find out what a project entails before you go to the hardware store to purchase materials and equipment.
•    Are suitable materials and spare parts available? Make sure that you have everything you are likely to need before you embark on a DIY job.  
•    Do I have the correct tools and equipment to do the job? Doing a job yourself may save on materials and labor costs but the savings will be eroded if you have to buy expensive specialized equipment that may never be used again.
•    Do I have the skills to do the job? Learning on the job may be fine for minor projects, but it’s important to be realistic about your abilities.  .
•    Am I covered by my home insurance if the job goes wrong? Read your insurance policy and check whether you are covered for accidental damage.

A lack of skills or lack of knowledge – or both – can be costly if you have to abandon a partly completed do-it-yourself project and call on a contractor to clear up the mess. Check the terms of your Pennsylvania home insurance policy, in case doing it yourself makes the cover void, and hire a professional if you have any doubts.
 

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