Menu

Insurance

Bathroom tops home renovations wishlist

Adam Williams
Written By:
Posted:
05/03/2015
Updated:
04/03/2015

Fitting a new bathroom is the most popular home renovation among homeowners in the UK, new research has found.

The survey, commissioned by Go Compare, found 44% of owners who had renovated property in the last three years had fitted a new bathroom.

Almost four-in-ten (39%) said they had opted to refresh their kitchen area while a third opted for a new boiler or heating system.

However, nearly half of those surveyed  (49%) who undertaken major home improvements had failed to notify their home insurance provider – something which could invalidate their insurance.

Around 5% of homeowners said they were carrying out the works with the intention of selling the property within the next three years.

Top 10 home improvements carried out in the last 3 years:

Sponsored

1) Fitted a new bathroom 44%

2) Installed a new kitchen 39%

3) Fitted a new boiler or central heating system 33%

4) A garden makeover 28%

5) Built an extension 16%

6) Knocked through rooms 11%

7) Fitted solar panels 11%

8) An attic conversion 10%

9) Added an extra bedroom 7%

10) A cellar conversion 6%

Go Compare home insurance spokesperson Ben Wilson said: “As well as making your home a nicer place to live, a major renovation project can add to the value of your property and household contents.

“For example, when modernising a kitchen with new cabinets and worktops, many people will also buy a new cooker, fridge freezer or other appliances and furniture – increasing both the value of their property’s rebuilding costs and household contents.  So, you’ll need to review your insurance to make sure that you’ve got adequate cover for your new investment.

“Also, if your renovation involves scaffolding or removing doors or windows for any length of time, your property will be less secure, so your insurer may increase your premiums to reflect the increased risk, while the work is being carried out.”