What are the home insurance implications of following feng shui advice?

Feng shui is a concept full of positivity but the changes that you make could impact your home insurance.

For example, changing the colour of floorings with rugs or a change of carpet can add to the value of your contents insurance. If you fit a new carpet in your home, for example, you may have to adjust the sum insured on your contents policy. Some new items may also surpass the individual item limit on a policy - typically items with a value in excess of £1,500 need to be insured separately on a policy. Similarly, changing the colours of curtains or blinds could also affect the value of the contents in your home.

If you require a complete renovation to bring new energy into your home, then it's vital you keep your home insurance provider informed. Any changes that affect the value of the building and its contents must be approved by your insurer or your policy may be invalidated in the event of a claim.

AA research in 2009 revealed that one in 10 Brits suffers a mishap that costs more than £100 to rectify when attempting a DIY project at home. Even simple tasks can lead to accidents - for example, repainting a room could see you accidentally spill paint; while drilling into walls could mean you inadvertently damage wires or pipes. That's why it's important to ensure that your home insurance policy carries suitable accidental damage cover.

So what home insurance cover do you need?

Before undertaking any home renovation project, inform your home insurance provider. Don't assume that you will be automatically covered - you should check the terms and conditions of your policy carefully as there may be exclusions that apply to your cover.

In addition, you should look for the following policy features which are particularly relevant for home renovations:

- Accidental damage cover: Accidents do happen - whether its shelves collapsing, paint spills or fused electrics. That's why accidental damage cover is so important. However, on many home insurance policies, accidental damage cover only applies to electrical items and you may have to pay an additional premium for 'extended accidental damage cover' that applies to all home contents. Be careful to check the policy for exclusions - circumstances in which you will not be covered. Typically, you may not be covered against accidental damage caused by children and pets; and some policies also exclude 'escape of water' because plumbing accidents occur so regularly.

- Liability cover: If you plan to ask a friend or family member to assist with your home project and then they suffer an injury, you could be held responsible. So check with your home insurance provider that you have liability cover in place just in case.

- Home emergency cover: Accidental damage doesn't get much worse than if you manage to cause a problem to an essential service. However, some home insurance companies offer home emergency cover - typically for an additional premium - that helps cover the cost of call-outs from qualified tradesmen in emergency situations.

Before you tackle a project, remember the following insurance implications too:

- Policy limits: Changes to your home may affect its rebuild value meaning you may need to adjust your buildings insurance cover; while investing in new items will mean you need to make a new assessment of the value of contents in your home to avoid under-insurance.

- Excess levels: As the excess is your contribution towards a claim, increasing it can lower your home insurance premiums. However, you should keep it at a level you can comfortably afford in case a claim is necessary. Indeed if the excess is set too high there may be little point in making a claim.

If you're unhappy with your existing home insurance policy then use a comparison website to compare quotes from other companies and find a policy that provides the right cover at the right price.

Tips to avoid home renovation disasters

Home insurance picks up the pieces when things go wrong but it's best to avoid accidents altogether - here are some tips:

- Buy a detector: Most DIY stores carry detectors that can find hidden wires and pipes in walls.

- Clear rooms: Make sure rooms are cleared before you begin any painting or decorating. Cover items that can't be moved with dust sheets.

- Read instructions: Follow instructions and safety manuals carefully for any equipment you use.

- Seek help: Look for advice from professionals by consulting a feng shui expert or reading online guides.

- Stay safe: Invest in appropriate clothing and safety gear before undertaking a task.