Brits advised to compare contractors before taking home improvement plunge

With average temperatures across the UK continuing to rise, growing numbers of households are choosing to invest in home extensions such as conservatories and swimming pools, industry insiders have reported.

Furthermore, the forthcoming Olympic Games is likely to give an additional boost to the popularity of swimming pools, it has also been predicted.

According to new figures released by Spata, the regulatory body for the UK swimming pool industry, some 6,000 pools are built each year, with the sector worth £250 million annually, while a growing number of special offers is likely to cause this to increase significantly over the coming months and years.

"Modern pool construction methods have slashed both the time it takes to build a swimming pool and the cost," noted Richard Carrington, the body’’s chairman.

Indeed, above-ground models are now on offer for as little as £3,000, while fully-tiled and reinforced concrete pools are being offered for £35,000.

However, homeowners have been advised to shop around and compare both prices and the reputation of the company offering pool-building services before they take the plunge, with Spata compliance one sure sign of a reputable company.

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Brits leaving gardens uninsured and at risk

Back gardens across the UK are a potential goldmine for burglars, experts have warned.

Despite growing numbers of Britons now investing heavily in making the outdoor space of their properties look good, a significant majority still neglect to take out adequate insurance, a new report has revealed.

Research carried out by Lloyds TSB found that the most expensive item in a typical garden is worth £426, while one in ten gardens are fitted with items worth over £3,000.

However, just half of those homeowners questioned by the company admitted to having never checked to see whether their garden contents were covered by their home insurance policy, meaning millions could be at risk of losing out should a burglar strike.

Phil Loney, managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance, noted: "With all the gadgets and goodies that are available, they can quickly add up and gardeners run the risk of being under-insured.

Exotic plants, high-tech tools and luxury furniture are all becoming increasingly popular in British backyards and represent high-value opportunities for thieves.

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Kitchens and conservatories add value to a property

There are a number of options available to homeowners looking to add to the value of their properties, experts have explained.

According to the Halifax Home Improvement Survey for 2007, 58 per cent of the population undertook some form of home improvement work over the course of the year, an increase of 12 per cent on figures for 2006.

The study also found that more than a quarter of home improvers felt that the work they had put into their property would add at least £5,000 to its value and specialists at the DIY retailer B&Q have suggested that this confidence is well-placed.

"Most home improvements will enhance the resale value of your home, but some are more profitable than others," a spokeswoman the company stated.

"Installing a kitchen, bathroom or conservatory is likely to pay for itself in added market value."

She added that the best results could be seen from replacing outdated bathroom suites and insulating walls and lofts, though homeowners should be wary of ripping out feature pieces such as fireplaces as this can diminish the value of a property.

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