More than seven million British households are home to an unfinished DIY or renovation project, according to Halifax Home Insurance.

Research from the insurer found that 1.7 million households have been living with an unfinished DIY or home renovation project for more than two years, 38% of which cited the bedroom as the unfinished project. A further 2.8 million British households were found to be living with unfinished kitchen refurbishments and another 2.5 million with an unfinished bathroom.

Half of those who are living with an unfinished project blame time pressures for not finishing it, while 29% blame financial constraints.

David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, said: “Budgeting effectively for the financial cost of completing a DIY project and being realistic about the time it will take to complete it can save significant heartache. Employing a professional tradesperson can be an effective strategy to ensure work is completed on time, on budget and to an acceptable standard.”