As the bank holiday approaches homeowners not away enjoying sunnier climes, will be turn their attention to their homes. As well as the conventional garden clear-out, many will be making their annual pilgrimage to the local DIY store to plan home improvements, whether it is choosing a new kitchen or bathroom, or simply giving a room a fresh lick of paint.
DIY or not to DIY?
Recent research by Halifax has revealed that 56% of homeowners carry out home improvements every year, and despite belt tightening in other areas, homeowners are apparently spending much more on DIY - up by £1,000 this year compared to an average £6,362 last year. The report found that, on average, the most money was spent by homeowners on a new kitchen (£6,609), windows and double glazing (£3,646) and a new bathroom (£3,396). Other popular improvements include fitting new carpets and replacing old central heating systems.
Of course, buyers of new homes could be forgiven for sporting a smug grin as they spend the last bank holiday of the year relaxing in their ‘finished’ homes instead of a tiring couple of days of DIY. New home buyers can appreciate their new bathrooms, kitchens and double glazing, to name just a few benefits, from day one.
While the build quality of new homes means that buyers won’t have to lift a finger, there is still the opportunity to get creative and put your own stamp on a property. Depending on build stage, it is sometimes possible to make changes to layout and the dimensions of rooms, while many developers also offer vouchers that can be exchanged for a range of fixtures and fittings, making it more cost effective to add a personal touch.
New for old
New Homes Month, an initiative run but the New Homes Marketing Board, starts in September. Housebuilders across the country will be shouting the benefits of buying new and highlighting the many incentives that are on offer – something that isn’t available when buying a second hand home.
While owners of resale properties may find they need to spend large sums of money insulating lofts and cavity walls and replacing antiquated central heating systems and boilers, these come as standard with a new home.
Homeowners unable to afford the size of house they require often set about converting loft spaces as soon as they move in usually to create an extra bedroom and ensuite. New build homes are increasingly featuring ‘bonus’ rooms saving an estimated £60,000, as well as months of mess, noise and hassle. Housebuilder can also offer other improvements such as a conservatory up to the value of £10,000. New homes are built to make use of every inch of space, but in older homes it’s estimated that 17% is unused. That means £34,000 is wasted on a £200,000 house.
What’s in a code
The Welsh Assembly Government recently confirmed that from September all new homes in Wales will meet level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Level 3 of the code, which assesses a new home’s energy and water efficiency as well as its use of sustainable materials, is expected to reduce a property’s carbon footprint by as much as 31%. This is on top of the 40% saving new homes already have over properties built before 1992. On a national scale, the Housing Minister has also said he is committed to all new homes meeting level six of the code – zero carbon - by 2016 and in a show of support for new efficient homes has suggested increasing Stamp Duty for buyers of older properties that don’t meet basic requirements.
In the run up to 2016, housebuilders will continue to increase the efficiency of their homes, something they have already been doing for years to great success, and Ebbw Vale, homes to Wales’ first zero carbon home, is certainly helping to lead the way. Made by BRE Wales, the three zero carbon homes are made from Welsh larc, with a three bedroom house boasting an energy bill of just £50 a year. The average annual energy bill for a resale property is a whopping £1,230. Since its launch, the development has attracted attention from other housebuilders keen to add their own eco homes.
With the long list of savings available to new home buyers set to steadily grow, maybe now is the time to down tools and enjoy the last of the summer sun.
See Also: Big Smart Blog (0), New Homes Market (0), Press Releases (0), Property News (0)
Date Published: 26 August 2010
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