Britons 'spending more on home improvements'

Article date : 04/06/2009

Written by Tony Harrison

As the Bank of England continues to maintain a low base rate of interest, more people are deciding to spend their savings on making their properties more homely, it has been suggested.

Indeed, Claire Barrett, editor at Grand Designs Magazine, said that her own father had decided to get stuck in with such an improvement project as his money was not earning interest.

And she added she felt that a lot of Britons were doing the same.

"There is also a focus on properly creating a home for the first time in quite a while, rather than seeing your property as something that is a bit of a cash cow," she added.

Ms Barrett went on to note that summer was DIY time and that more people were willing to have a go at home improvements.

This could encourage homeowners to take simple steps to get their properties ready for winter.

Such moves may include bleeding radiators - taking care not to get scolded - to remove any trapped air bubbles which could reduce efficiency.

Placing a reflective panel behind radiators could also see less heat lost through walls and windows.

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