More than one million people living on building sites due to delays, says Direct Line

Over 1.2 million homeowners are currently living in homes that resemble construction sites due to stalled renovation projects, according to the Direct Line Insurance Group.

Almost half of those affected (49%) expressed concern that the unfinished work poses safety hazards, risking injury to anyone living in the property with 58% regretting ever starting their renovation projects, and many finding the process overwhelming, with 75% feeling significant stress as a result.

As part of the study it was revealed what causes the most delays when renovating a house, the impact that renovators had and advice for other homeowners who were planning renovations.

What causes the most delays?

The most common reason for halted projects is house renovation costs as 31% of homeowners reported running out of money, while 28% faced unmanageable cost increases.

This has led to numerous situations where homeowners either had to dismiss their builders or were abandoned mid-project. In addition, many discovered unforeseen issues requiring additional time and resources.

Here are the most frequently stalled renovation projects:

• Decoration: 43%
• Garden landscaping: 36%
• Bathroom renovations: 18%
• Kitchen renovations: 17%
• Loft conversions: 16%
• Whole house renovations: 16%
• Open plan adjustments: 16%
• Extensions: 15%
• Plumbing: 15%
• Re-wiring/electrics: 10%

The impact of stalled projects

The effects of incomplete renovations can be severe, forcing homeowners into temporary accommodation or making their homes uninhabitable.

26% say they are living in caravans, while 13% report their homes are not weatherproof. Other consequences include:

• Messy gardens: 27%
• Storage of building materials around the property: 22%
• Restricted living space: 21%
• Boarded-up windows: 16%
• Limited cooking capabilities: 16%

While 57% of homeowners remain hopeful that their projects will be completed within a year, many are taking on the burden themselves, and 22% are uncertain if their projects will ever be finished.

'Speak with your home insurance provider before work begins'

Before you dive into your renovation, the Direct Line Group advise you to consult with your home insurance provider to understand how the changes may affect your coverage, especially if your home will be unoccupied for extended periods.

Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance said: “Living with unfinished renovations and building work can be stressful, especially if this results in needing to move into temporary accommodation, whilst the project is being completed.

“If you’re looking to start a renovation project, it’s recommended that you speak with your home insurance provider before work begins to let them know what the plans are, in case this has any impact on your insurance cover, particularly if the home is due to be unoccupied for a prolonged period of time.”