"The current economic climate could be a big factor in why solar panels and better insulation are low on the list. It’s not a surprise, then, that redecorating takes the crown as the trendiest renovation, as it’s something that can be done to varying degrees, adapting to those looking for a revamp on a tighter budget"
- Nathan Blackler - Go.Compare
A new survey has found that a third of UK residents are planning on renovating their homes within 2024, despite the current economic climate.
However, the motivation behind these home improvements seems to focus on appearances, with just 11% planning on going green through solar panel installation and better insulation.
The survey asked the nation about their renovation plans for the year ahead, with low numbers opting for environmentally friendly features. Instead, the trending renovation of the year is a desire to redecorate, with 47.5% of respondents focusing on sprucing up their home’s appearance.
Refurbishments in the kitchen and bathroom make up the rest of the top three, with 23.7% and 22.7% of those renovating this year having plans to do so, respectively. Out of these, some are doing a partial renovation, while others are opting for full new installations.
Garden work also placed in the top five, with 16.9% choosing to focus on this part of their home, including some looking at doing a full landscaping makeover. 14% plan on renovating their flooring, while 10% hope to install new carpets instead.
The study, by Go.Compare Home Insurance, also found that bedroom renovations and wall plastering features in the plans of 11.6% and 11.3% of respondents, respectively, and 9.8% are looking to update or install new windows.
Some are also choosing to focus on the outside of the house, with just under a tenth (9.2%) having plans to renovate the exterior, and 8% wanting to fix up the roof. Slightly fewer (7.7%) are also looking to make some extra space with an extension.
The top 15 trendiest renovations are completed by a desire for new doors (7.5%) and a loft conversion (6.8%). Less popular renovation plans include garage conversions, updating the heating or electric systems, and building a new conservatory or driveway, to name a few.
Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Renovating homes to be more energy efficient and sustainable not only helps the environment, but can save people money in the long run, so it’s a shame to see that it’s not a priority for Brits this year.
“The current economic climate could be a big factor in why solar panels and better insulation are low on the list. It’s not a surprise, then, that redecorating takes the crown as the trendiest renovation, as it’s something that can be done to varying degrees, adapting to those looking for a revamp on a tighter budget.
“Some of the other popular renovations, like the kitchen and bathroom, can be more financially taxing, meaning some might consider saving money by doing some of the work themselves. But it’s important to keep in mind the insurance implications of going down the DIY route.
“We recommend always notifying the insurance company when planning to undertake any major renovations, especially if they involve structural work. There might be specific clauses within your policy regarding what type of projects you can carry out, and you might need additional cover for their duration.”
