Anyone planning on renovating their property might want to contact their
home insurance provider prior to making alterations, as carrying out major work could affect their cover.
It has been argued that the installation of PVCu windows and doors could be a false economy.
Melanie Griffiths, assistant editor at Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, said that despite the fact that PVCu will almost always be a cheaper - and therefore more appealing - option, the savings made can be a false economy when looking at the bigger picture.
"Not only do PVCu windows and doors compromise the look and therefore value of a period home, but also they are likely to need replacing long before timber windows and doors," Ms Griffiths noted.
She added that "looked after timber" can look great for decades and even outlast PVCu products.
Figures compiled by home renovation retailer Kingfisher recently showed the growing popularity of DIY home improvement in the UK.
The company reported that retail profits at its subsidiary B&Q doubled from £29 million in the first quarter of 2008, to £58 million in same period this year.
Home insurance from
InsureandGo offers cover against damage to belongings during renovation work.
