ConservatoryLand and Property Expert Michael Reading, from Housetastic.co.uk, announce what’s top of Brits’ tick-list when searching for a new home, and share insider tips for creating them on a budget.
- A garden or outside space is top of the wish list of home must-haves (52%), followed by a driveway or parking space (43%)
- Practical fixtures like double glazing (39%) and lots of storage (31%) are third and fifth priority respectively
- Fourth on the list are both a spare room (32%) and lots of natural light (32%)
- Less than a third (30%) of homebuyers are willing to compromise on a property that doesn’t tick all their boxes
- Google searches for ‘home improvements’ have doubled since December as the new year ignites a passion for new property projects
A survey on home must-haves commissioned by conservatory installation experts ConservatoryLand has revealed that having outside space to call our own is top of the nation’s property wish list, with more than half (52%) of the nation choosing an outdoor space or leafy garden as a priority , followed by a parking space or driveway (43%).
Practical fixtures like double glazing (39%) and lots of storage (31%) are third and fifth priority as people search for already-installed, long-lasting features that will better insulate and organise the home.
With flexible working here to stay and the economic climate encouraging people to spend more time enjoying at-home activities, it’s perhaps no surprise that fourth on the list are both a spare room (32%) and lots of natural light (32%).
Interestingly, only 30% of Brits have compromised to purchase property that ticked nearly all of their boxes, highlighting the significance of these elements in securing their dream home.
2023 is ‘The Year of the Home Hack’
However, factors including the current high mortgage rates are slowing the property market with homeowners opting to stay put and make cheaper home improvements instead, and the internet is the first stop for inspiration. In fact, TikTok content with #DIYHomeDecor generated 4 million UK views in the past week alone and Google searches for projects like ‘DIY panelling’ have doubled in search interest year on year.
To help Brits ensure they are investing their cash in the most valuable project areas, DIY and property expert Michael Reading from Housetastic.co.uk has collaborated with ConservatoryLand, to share insider tips on creating these ‘must have’ spaces, on a budget.
Five DIY-Renovations
| 1. Spruce Up Outside Space | |
| Michael says, “Lay artificial grass. Artificial grass is the best and easiest way to achieve a beautiful lawn that requires very little maintenance. Modern faux grass varieties are extremely realistic, allowing you to achieve a perfect-looking lawn. Laying artificial grass is fairly straightforward and won’t require much upkeep in the long term. “If your outdoor furniture is looking a little old and tatty, you may want to consider upcycling it. Instead of forking out on brand new furniture, you can give your existing furniture a new life. Consider a lick of paint to greatly improve the appearance of your existing garden furniture.” | |
| 2. Give Your Windows A Glow-Up | |
| Michael says, “Draught-proofing your windows can help to keep the heat in and, therefore, results in your home being more energy efficient. “You can easily draught proof your home with draught proofing strips. Make sure you choose strips that are the right size so they fit in the gap in your window. “If the strip is too small, there will still be a gap so it won’t be completely effective and if the strip is too big, it will get crushed and you may struggle to close the window. If your windows don’t open, you will need to use a silicone sealant.” | |
| 3. Utilise The Spare Room | |
| Michael says, “If you work from home full time or even if you just work from home occasionally, a home office is a great use for a spare room. “You can find desks that are suitable to fit in any space, no matter how large or small your spare room is. You can choose from a floating desk that is fitted to the wall or a freestanding desk that you can place in a convenient spot in the room. “Adding some plants to a small office space is a great idea as this can bring some life into the room without making it feel too cluttered or overwhelming.“ | |
| If you lack a spare room, Rob Smith, General Manager of ConservatoryLand.com adds, ”If budget allows, adding a purpose built conservatory is also a more affordable way to add floor space when an extension or loft conversion is not in budget. A conservatory was also voted eighth by Brits in our home-buying must-haves survey!” | |
| 4. Lighten Up Your Eaves | |
| Michael says, “Paint your eaves white! Eaves or soffits are the parts of the roof that overhang your property. They are either left as open eaves, or they are covered up with a horizontal soffit. Regardless of which type you have on your property, these roof sections can reflect natural light into your home. “If you paint your eaves white, this is a simple but effective way to boost the amount of natural light that flows into your home. Even if the colour of the outside of your home is different, you can still paint your eaves white. “The eaves are angled towards the house, so painting them won’t have any effect on your home’s kerb appeal. You will usually only see the eaves from inside of the house through a window.” | |
| 5. Step Up Your Storage | |
| Michael says, “If your home has a staircase, one of the best things you can do is make the most of the empty space underneath the stairs instead of leaving this area as an unused space. Consider adding some shelves for displaying books, ornaments, or other things in the home. “Alternatively, add a storage unit to this area underneath the stairs. If you want to go a step further, you could also choose to install a small cupboard under the stairs for storage. “If you want to get some larger storage solutions in your home, you may want to consider purchasing some large furniture pieces and upcycling them to suit your home’s style. Places such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay are great for finding second hand furniture. Alternatively, look at charity shops for larger furniture pieces. “Then, you can bring these items home and sand them down before painting or staining them. You can even alter them slightly to provide additional storage such as adding sections to larger cupboards or drawers which will help you organise your items much better. “ |
For more home renovation tips on a budget, please visit https://www.conservatoryland.com/blog/five-diy-renovations-under-5000/
