Embarking on a simple DIY project may reveal more serious problems with a property, homeowners have been advised.

According to the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), this is especially true in houses over 30 or 40 years old.

The organisation explained that if people are not professionals then they can easily make mistakes when carrying out a DIY project.

For example, it is easy to accidentally remove lintels over doors and windows without realising they have a structural purpose.

Andrew Leech, director at the NHIC, said: "Once you start messing around with the fabric of the house then you can uncover all sorts of different problems which can make a simple task into a major task and a costly task as well."

Statistics recently published by Saga revealed that one in ten over-50-year-olds have performed DIY on their home, while 47 per cent called upon family members for help.

When undertaking a major DIY project it may be a good idea to put some treasured furniture into storage so that it is not damaged while the work is carried out.

Written by Jacqueline Farrer