Top motivation for home improvements is creating ideal home rather than increasing value, says a Shelter survey.Seventy four per cent of homeowners who dream of improving their property want to create the ideal home rather than increase its value, new research reveals. Shelter Scotland and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), commissioned the survey to find out more about their home improvement aspirations.
The results showed that nearly three quarters of homeowners across the UK (73%) have a dream home improvement project and that making the most of space and improving the look of their property is the top motivation (74%). One in ten homeowners (12%) seeking to improve their property want to make it more environmentally friendly or energy efficient, while just 8 per cent were hoping to improve its value.
Kitchen extensions were the most popular home improvement (13%), closely followed by conservatories (12%) and attic conversions (10%). Shelter Scotland and RIAS released the research to coincide with the launch of Architect in the House, a successful fundraising initiative now in its 14th year, in which architects nationwide offer free hour-long consultations to the public in return for a £40 suggested donation to Shelter. So far, the scheme has raised over £1m for homeless and badly housed families at the same time as helping 50,000 homeowners realise their home improvement aspirations across the UK.
It also aims to change people's perceptions of architects and demystify what they do. Over a quarter of homeowners surveyed across the UK said they would consider using an architect (28%), with almost half (49%) agreeing that architects add value by creating a property that stands out. Over half of those not planning to use an architect (51%) felt their project was too small to warrant one.
David Dunbar, President of RIAS said: "Architects can add a huge amount to any home improvement project, however big or small. Whether it's knocking down a wall or creating a new extension, only architects can give the bigger picture, offering design inspiration, knowledge of the latest fixtures and fittings, and advice on everything from planning regulations to energy efficiency. "
Architect in the House is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to benefit from this expertise and see what architects can offer. A consultation for a suggested donation of just £40 can help homeowners take the first step towards improving their home, while raising money for a very good cause at the same time."
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: "This survey reveals that homeowners across the UK are almost ten times more likely to want to improve their home rather than merely increase its value, showing that home is so much more to people than just a financial asset."
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