Home improvement projects that put common bugbears to bed

Thinking about making some changes around the house? Our research reveals 76% of homeowners dream of making a difference to their living space.

We spend a lot of time at home – 18 hours and 43 minutes per day to be precise. So it’s well worth investing some time and money into creating a space that not only looks the part but makes you feel right at home too.

Let’s find out the nation’s top home improvement bugbears and how you can update your space.

1. Lack of storage space? Embrace mindful home improvement

A whopping 32% of Brits say their biggest bugbear is limited storage space. While you may want to research expanding your space by converting your loft or adding a home extension, there are loads of other ways you can make the most of the room you do have.

Try the mindful approach when it comes to refreshing your home décor. This includes:

• Tidying away any clutter (potentially selling items you no longer need)
• Opting for quality items you’ll use frequently, rather than impulse spending on items that’ll end up gathering dust
• Selecting your home décor thoughtfully, making sure all furnishings and decorations either have a purpose or truly bring you joy

2. Transform out of date rooms on a budget

Our research shows that 27% of homeowners are bothered by their out-of-date kitchen.

While a full kitchen renovation can cost upwards of £5,000, you don’t have to break the bank to give existing spaces a new lease of life.

You’d be surprised how much of a difference home ‘tweakments’ can make. And, if you try your hand at DIY, you could save yourself thousands.

For example, consider swapping out old handles or simply giving your cabinets a lick of paint to modernise the look and feel of your kitchen. You could even remove some cabinet doors or add open shelving to create a more open, airy feel without needing to fully renovate your kitchen.

3. Put the focus on creating multifunctional spaces

Many of us are irked by lack of space, including 19% of Brits who long for a bigger bedroom and 17% who wish they had more room for their hobbies.

While adding a whole extra room isn’t going to be easy, why not hop onboard the multifunctional spaces trend?

Our guide on clever ways to maximise space is packed full of tips, but here are just some ideas to get you started:

• Choose your furniture wisely. Think ottomans doubling up as storage space, fold up beds to provide extra room through the day, or side tables transformed into stylish seating.
• Little nooks or room corners often go unnoticed, but they’re the perfect spot for a cosy reading corner, a play space or a gaming station. Room dividers can be invaluable when it comes to creating distinct zones for different activities.
• Consider transforming bigger spaces, such as your garage. You might use it as storage space but, with a big clear out and some creativity, you could construct a whole new space. Home gym, anyone?
• Use furniture that can be easily packed away when not in use. For example, you could easily turn your bedroom into a home office during the day using a foldaway desk – leaving your sleeping area a work-free zone at night.

4. Have a clear plan in mind for those bigger projects

Some home improvement projects require a lot of thought and a large chunk of cash. For example, installing an ensuite or second bathroom (something 16% of homeowners wish for) can cost thousands of pounds.

To help reduce tension and maintain harmony in the home, set yourself realistic goals and work out your budget at the very start of the project. Your budget should be as realistic as possible, factoring in a bit of extra cash as an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses.

Knowing your budget will help you to make further decisions, such as whether you want to hire a professional to complete the whole renovation or make some cost savings by taking on elements of the project yourself.

You should also work out how you want to fund your project. While paying for everything outright will cost less in total, you might have to wait to save up. Another option is to take out a home renovation loan to help get your project off the ground sooner. Do your research thoroughly to make sure you’re making the right decision for you.

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