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Householders 'improve their home to emulate others'

Almost a million homeowners spend money on home improvements to emulate someone they know, according to new research.

Figures from Halifax showed that 847,000 people have been inspired by a friend, relative or neighbour into carrying out renovations such as making over their bathroom and kitchen.

The firm stated that investing in home improvements as a result of so-called "home envy" is costing people around £9.9 billion each year.

However, it warned that while successful home improvements could add to the value of a house, getting it wrong can prove to be a "disaster".

People have been advised to employ qualified and reputable tradesmen instead of doing the work themselves.

Vicky Emmott, senior manager of underwriting at Halifax, said: "Trying to tackle certain areas that you are not qualified for, such as electrics or plumbing, could invalidate your home insurance and leave you liable for the cost of any subsequent damage.”

Earlier this week, research from Churchill Insurance showed that one in five householders have accidentally damaged their home or its contents in the last year as a result of doing DIY.

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22/03/2007 15:00:58

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