Labour Weekend DIYers—don’t attempt the plumbing!
17 October 2017
Reality DIY shows may inspire you to get stuck into your own renovations, but shoddy workmanship can cost money to fix, and also invalidate your insurance cover, AA Insurance is warning as Labour Weekend approaches.
Research from the latest AA Insurance Home Survey* shows that six in 10 homeowners had a crack at DIY over 12 months, with the highest percentage most comfortable on the end of a paintbrush (75%), followed by 24% working on roofing and guttering.
Apparently, 16% had attempted plumbing, which is a concerning figure, given that sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work must only be carried out by authorised tradespeople. (Sanitary plumbing is basically any work that involves fixing or unfixing a pipe, plumbing fixture or appliance—including a trap, waste or soil pipe, ventilation pipe, overflow pipe and any pipe for supplying water.)
It’s pretty much in our Kiwi genes to want to attempt some DIY, but unless you’re qualified to do a job hire a professional, advises Amelia Macandrew at AA Insurance. “If you’re undertaking serious renovations at your place, then you should be aware that your insurance cover is dependent on the work complying with current building laws and regulations."
When you use a Master Plumber, you can be sure they are authorised, Quality Assured and offer the backing of the residential Master Plumbers Guarantee.
Find your nearest using the Master Plumber search on this website.
* In 2017, AA Insurance surveyed 760 Kiwi homeowners about DIY.
