'Stop hammer time'

Posted : 29-01-2008

Britons eager to smash their internal walls down and embrace open-plan living should ensure they get a professional to carry out the work, according to Halifax Home Insurance.

David Rochester, head of underwriting at the provider, states that homeowners should also seek the advice of a qualified structural engineer before taking a hammer to their properties.

"Any damage to a weight-bearing wall that results in ceiling collapse or other damage could also invalidate a buildings insurance policy," he adds.

Mr Rochester's comments follow data which suggests that 2.9 million rooms have been demolished during the past five years.

And it appears that Britons' desire for an open-plan layout in their homes shows little sign of abating as more than two million are earmarked for destruction over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, according to recent research by home insurance provider Nationwide, one-fifth of British consumers do not have a buildings policy.


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