Upgrading kitchens still dominates the list of the most popular improvement you can make to a home.

The latest research shows the hub of the home was our number one focus during the past three years and also tops the list for planned improvements.

The research, commissioned by financial services comparison website Gocompare.com, found that the top ten projects include updating kitchens and bath-rooms, building an extension, and garden makeovers. But 43 per cent of homeowners who undertook major home improvements in the last three years didn’t inform their home insurance provider of the changes they had made – potentially invalidating their home insurance.

Mark Greening, Gocompare. com’s home insurance spokesman, warns homeowners who are making improvements they should re-assess the value of what is insured and inform their insurance company.

“Undertaking a home renovation or extension not only helps to improve or increase your living space, but can add to the value of your property and your fixtures and fittings. For example, new kitchen cabinets and worktops are usually installed around a new cooker and other domestic appliances – increasing both the value of the property’s rebuilding costs and household contents. “So, whether you are planning an extension, installing a new kitchen or other major renovation, you should consult your home insurer before you start work so that you can review your sum insured.

“If you are employing tradesmen to undertake the work for you, check that they are qualified to carry out the work and registered with a recognised governing body. “Most home insurance policies do not cover tradesmen or their work, so you should also check that they have their own insurance in place.”

And he warns that moving out of your home while improve-ments are made might actually invalidate your insurance.

“If you are planning extensive renovations and are thinking of moving out while the work is in progress, you need to be aware of your insurer’s rules regarding unoccupied properties. “Most household insurance policies stipulate that if you leave your home unoccupied for a period of time, typically exceeding 30 or 60 days, then your property will not be covered for certain events including theft, malicious damage and escape of water. There is no standard definition of ‘occupied’ and the time period on some policies is as short as 14 days, so if you plan to move out during refurbishment works, then it is essential that you talk to your insurer to make sure you understand the implications.”