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Bathrooms and kitchens top home renovation list

install-kitchenFitting new bathrooms and kitchens are the most popular property renovation projects, a survey has shown, whilst homeowners are also adding value by knocking through rooms, converting cellars and giving their garden a makeover.

Almost half the homeowners who have carried out a major home improvement in the last three years have installed a new bathroom, closely followed by nearly four out of 10 who have opted for a new kitchen. A third of homeowners have modernised their boiler or central heating system, whilst seven per cent have added an extra bedroom.

But with nearly half of those surveyed admitting they didnÔÇÖt inform their home insurer about the work carried out, property owners are being warned they are at risk of invalidating their cover if they donÔÇÖt update their policy details.

The home improvement research, commissioned by Gocompare.com Home Insurance, found that the top 10 renovation projects were:

  • Fitting a new bathroom, 44%
  • Fitting a new kitchen, 39%
  • Installing a new boiler or central heating system, 33%
  • Carrying out a garden makeover, 28%
  • Building an extension, 16%
  • Knocking through rooms, 11%
  • Fitting solar panels, 11%
  • Converting the attic, 10%
  • Adding a bedroom, 7%
  • Converting the cellar, 6%

The survey also found that 22% of homeowners are extending or improving with a view to staying in their property for at least three years, whilst five per cent are carrying out the work with view to selling their home within the same timeframe.

home-buildingGocompare.com’s Ben Wilson says: ÔÇ£As well as making your home a nicer place to live, a major renovation project can add to the value of your property and household contents.┬á For example, when modernising a kitchen with new cabinets and worktops, many people will also buy a new cooker, fridge freezer or other appliances and furniture, increasing both the value of their propertyÔÇÖs rebuilding costs and household contents.┬á So, youÔÇÖll need to review your insurance to make sure that youÔÇÖve got adequate cover for your new investment.

ÔÇ£Also, if your renovation involves scaffolding or removing doors or windows for any length of time, your property will be less secure, so your insurer may increase your premiums to reflect the increased risk while the work is being carried out.ÔÇØ

Homeowners are also advised to brush up on home insurersÔÇÖ rules regarding unoccupied properties.┬á ÔÇ£Most 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,ÔÇØ adds Ben. ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs no standard definition of ÔÇÿoccupiedÔÇÖ, so, if youÔÇÖre planning to live elsewhere during refurbishment works, itÔÇÖs essential that you talk to your insurer first to make sure you understand the implications.

ÔÇ£Most home insurance policies donÔÇÖt cover tradesmen or their work, so you should always check that they have their own insurance in place.┬á ItÔÇÖs also wise to check that they are qualified to carry out the work and registered with a recognised governing body.ÔÇØ

For more information on home improvements and your insurance, read Gocompare.comÔÇÖs handy guide.

Main image courtesy of Do It Yourself Kitchens

 

Chinese New Year ushers in style

chinese-wallpaperThe Chinese New Year is here, and its theme of renewal and creativity bodes well for anyone who wants to give their home a stylish uplift.

2015 is the Year of the Goat, and 15 days of celebrations are underway. People born under this sign are peaceful and artistic so, if this is you, your home is likely to have a tranquil atmosphere and include stunning original pieces. According to Chinese furniture specialist Shimu, astrologers are predicting that the year ahead is set to be a calmer affair than last yearÔÇÖs tumultuous Year of the Horse, which is good news for anyone about to revamp their home!

If youÔÇÖd like to create an Oriental-inspired house or room but arenÔÇÖt sure where to start, here are some of our favourite Chinese-themed pieces:

chinese-newyearSet in stone

These eye-catching stone stools from Shimu are carved by hand, with a studded motif around the top and bottom reminiscent of the metalware on old Chinese drums and a pattern of flowers carved on the main body. They make a beautiful side table for any room and can also be used in the garden! £365

shanxi-bucketStylish storage

ShimuÔÇÖs attractive rectangular bucket in a pale wood finish makes perfect storage for fireside logs or magazines! With one side inscribed with Chinese characters in red, this style of bucket was used in the Shanxi province in the 1920s for carrying water and today makes a unique accessory for the stylish home. ┬ú125

chinese-cabinetHandmade heaven

The unique wooden furniture of Bristol-based The Nine Schools is inspired by traditional Chinese design and captures the true essence of the country. This best-selling small┬áChinese blue cabinet, with one drawer and two doors, beautifully suits bedroom, living rooms and hallways. The butterflies and flowers signify freedom and rebirth ÔÇô perfect for your new year refresh! ┬ú150┬á

chinese-consoleConsole yourself

The Nine SchoolsÔÇÖ small Chinese console table is the perfect hallway piece; narrow yet with flexible storage. Its black gloss lacquer finish is complemented with gold leaf edging and distressed metal handles and it suits many styles of interior decorating. Take a look at the pink and green console tables, too. ┬ú295

chinese-wallpaperRoll up

This striking charcoal and bronze wallpaper by Steve Leung reflects the beauty and simplicity for which Chinese design is renowned. Its geometric pattern, with enhanced glitter and metallic, provides a stunning finish to any room and is one of a number of Oriental-style wallpapers available from Graham & Brown. £20 per roll

 

diy-bathroom

Milk Tray man? We’d prefer a handyman!

diy-bathroom

Image: Heritage Bathrooms

Forget the chocolates and overpriced flowers – all women want this Valentine’s Day is a handyman to help overhaul their home!

Traditionally, February 14th is a day for loved-up couples to paint the town red but, this year, it seems we’ll settle for just the paint! Research from specialists Heritage Bathrooms reveals that, whilst a third of women would opt for champagne and traditional gifts, the majority would prefer the money to be spent on redecorating the house!

According to Heritage Bathrooms, the cost of Valentine’s Day, including gifts, dining out and travel, is expected to reach just over ┬ú200. Yet many women in the UK would prefer that money to be diverted towards home improvements, with almost half (43%) of those questioned otherwise expecting to spend, at the most, ┬ú500 on updating the d├®cor in their homes throughout the entire year.

When asked how they would┬álike to utilise a handymanÔÇÖs time, 45% of respondents said they would stretch to a bigger ┬ú1,500 budget and get as many rooms as possible in the home finished or updated. Another 35% would use the same budget but focus on a single project, such as updating an ageing bathroom.

valentines-dayHeritage Bathrooms’ marketing manager Claire Jennings┬ásays: ÔÇ£Our research suggests that, post-recession, people are looking to make lasting investments in their homes. WeÔÇÖre not surprised by the findings of our research and think that occasions like ValentineÔÇÖs Day are the perfect opportunity to request more practical gifts from our loved ones.ÔÇØ

The research also shows that, when looking to move house, almost four in 10 women would seek a property in need of redecorating in the living areas but boasting designer statements elsewhere. For a third of men, however, newly painted walls and new carpets throughout would be the clincher in making an offer.

Claire adds:┬áÔÇ£Men like to have the final say on a colour choice in the home but, when it comes to bigger projects like the bathroom or kitchen, itÔÇÖs women who lead the design choice.ÔÇØ