Home improvement is a popular way to upgrade and improve one’s house. It can be a good way to increase the value of your property, but it is also a great way to create a new space that you are happy with.
It is also a good way to increase the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your bills. The government is pushing for energy-efficient homes across the country and has a number of schemes to help homeowners save money on their bills.
There are also a number of grants and loans available for homeowners who want to make their houses more energy-efficient, which can help to offset some of the cost of making changes such as draught proofing or loft insulation. These grants can be worth hundreds or thousands of pounds and you should check if you are eligible.
The UK Home Improvement market is predicted to grow over the next five years at an annual rate of 2%, according to research company IBISWorld. Despite the lingering financial crisis, many homeowners are still looking to invest in home improvements and renovations.
As the cost of living rises, more homeowners are delaying home improvements or DIY jobs until they can afford to do them themselves. However, with a rise in consumer confidence and real incomes, the industry is set to boom again in 2021, with more homeowners planning to make home improvements.
A new kitchen and a re-landscaped garden are the most popular types of home improvement, with more than half of homeowners aiming to revamp these spaces in the coming year. Other home makeovers include a repainted bedroom or redecorated lounge.
It is estimated that more than PS135 billion will be spent on home makeovers in 2021, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. With over two-thirds of homeowners planning to renovate, this could be a bumper year for the sector.
The average home improvement budget is PS13,958. This will help to drive demand for tradespeople, with plumbers and electricians the most in demand among homeowners.
There are a range of ways to save money on your home improvements, from finding end-of-line products and tiles for sale to taking advantage of deals and discounts. Another option is to buy second hand materials, such as reclaimed materials like Cawarden or enviromate.
Getting expert advice can help you find the best solutions to suit your home and your budget. There are plenty of professional websites that offer free consultations and recommendations. They can even tell you if you are eligible for certain incentives or rebates, which may help to cover the cost of your renovation.
Some homeowners choose to do their own renovations, which can be a good way to cut costs and create a unique home. But it is important to consider all the costs involved in any DIY job, including labour, so you can set a realistic budget and stick to it.
The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) represents 100’s of tradespeople and sub-trades, supporting them to raise standards and deliver quality improvements to UK homes. The NHIC’s members contribute over PS13Bn to the UK economy annually.