Need an upgrade?
Despite reports that DIY is losing its appeal, there are some home improvements Brits will still have a go at
Do it yourself used to be the biggest game in town. Now it’s not so popular with some home improvement chains suffering.
But we still spend billions at those big sheds selling everything from packs of tacks to new kitchens and bathrooms.
Most of us say we can wield a paintbrush or use a screwdriver. And some of us, according to a new survey from comparison site GoCompare go further, tackling jobs requiring both expertise and spare sets of hands.
GoCompare’s new survey into top home improvements over the past five years reveals repainting indoors is the most popular upgrade, followed by putting down new floors and bathroom makeovers.
Two out of three jobs make the property look better – you may not need a new kitchen but it will make life easier and your home more attractive.
Just over one in three projects was essential maintenance such as ensuring windows don’t leak or preventing electricity problems.
Some jobs are less popular. Most homes have double glazing so we replace fewer windows. Only one in eight homes installs new insulation – most properties have it.
We’re more bothered with our home’s interior than the exterior. Many don’t have gardens so sprucing up lawns and building new sheds is low down the list. And improved paints and other materials mean we don’t need to tend to the outside so often.
What you spend – and what you spend it on – often depends on whether you intend staying in the property long term or you want to move in the next year or so.
Remainers need not be so concerned with getting what they spend on improvement back. Leavers should stick to basics. If something is broken, then replace with value items. And there is no point in painting colours which the next people will hate – far better just to present something that looks clean or go for white or magnolia.