Brits 'willing to spend thousands' on improvement

Investing time and money in improving a home can be a good move financially, it has been suggested.

Grand Designs Magazine editor Claire Barrett explained some Brits are still able and willing to splash out on upgrading their property, with conservatories, kitchens and extensions being some of the potential modifications.

Recent B&Q figures show an 89 per cent year-on-year increase in retail profits for the first three months of 2009.

"If people can see that they are going to get some return on that eventually, there are still great opportunities for people to make a safe investment [by] investing in their home," Ms Barrett said.

She added some people were emailing the magazine for ideas of what to do with a budget of £30,000 to £150,000.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury's Home Insurance recently reported 65 per cent of British adults had attempted DIY tasks in the last 12 months.

It found more than half (51 per cent) had painted walls, while 38 per cent have performed minor plumbing tasks.