Facts About Home Improvements

We are a nation keen on improving our homes, as the following research gathered together by Yorkshire bathrooms, kitchens and bedroom specialist Norwood Interiors showcases:

Moving Home vs Home Improvements

A study by one of the UK’s leading credit card providers, MBNA, has revealed just how passionate Brits are about DIY around their homes. Research found that:

• Annual consumer spending by MBNA customers on DIY products has increased by 42 per cent in real terms since 1996. As a result, people in the UK spent an average of £211 per person in 2015.
• 69 per cent of all transactions on DIY-related products were accounted to men.
• People between the age of 45 and 60 years old were found to be the keenest home improvers, spending on average £240 on DIY products each year and making up 4.8 per cent of their total purchases.

Alan North, the Director of Credit and Analytics at MBNA, commented: “This spending data shows how the UK’s love for DIY has grown significantly over the past 20 years. Today, people are spending 42 per cent more in real terms on home improvements than they did 20 years ago.

“The rate of growth in DIY spending did decline sharply during the recession, but the past five years have seen the steepest rate of growth for more than two decades.”

The Home Improvements Wish List

A survey commissioned by the Money section of Gocompare.com has found that 14 per cent of homeowners are looking into making some home improvements. In fact, five per cent of those with a home have gone as far as to extend their current property as opposed to moving house.

Arguably the most interesting aspect of this particularly study are the items highlighted on people’s home improvement wish lists:

• 36% would like a new kitchen.
• 34% would like to build an extension.
• 33% would like to install a new bathroom.
• 24% would like to make over their garden.
• 19% would like to convert their home’s attic into an extra room.
• 17% would like to install a new boiler or central heating system.
• 16% would like to create an open plan space in their home by knocking through rooms which are currently kept separate.
• 10% would like to fit double glazing.
• 10% would like to add an extra bedroom.
• 7% would like to install solar panels.

Growing Market for Kitchen and Bathroom Products in New-Build Housing

In AMA Research’s Kitchen & Bathroom Products in the Housebuilding Market – UK 2016-2020 Analysis, it was estimated that the new housebuilding market accounted for around 13 per cent of the overall kitchen and bathroom products market.

On top of this, this market increased by an estimated 12 per cent in 2015 where new-build housing was concerned.

The report went on to reveal the following key market trends:

• Key trends for new-build kitchens:

• Layout and design are a main focus.
• Kitchen-diners complete with a seating area are becoming more popular.
• Hotel-style quality interiors have increased in demand.
• Durability is becoming more important, especially where the social housing sector is concerned.
• Key trends for new-build bathrooms:
• Homes featuring two or more bathrooms/ensuites are becoming more popular.
• Quality fixtures and fittings which boast longevity and luxury are growing in demand.
• Minimalist designs are being increasingly sought after.
• Wet room areas have increased in popularity.
• The market for digital technology in bathrooms has grown, especially in the premium sector. Spa baths, digital shower controls and sensor-operated mixer taps are just a few examples of these sought-after devices.

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