Kitchen extensions 'should take priority' over holidays

Homeowners considering a kitchen extension should prioritise getting it completed over taking a holiday, it has been suggested.

Andrew Leech, director of the National Home Improvement Council, said he can understand why some Britons are tightening their belts in the current economic climate.

However, he explained that if they have a straight financial choice between making an addition to their property and heading on a foreign trip, they should opt for the former.

"People are thinking about going away on holiday and not spending as much money on DIY improvements, but that is rather a negative approach," he said.

"Really, home improvements should take priority over holidays. You could say they are more essential than going away for a holiday in this day and age."

Mr Leech added that homeowners are also showing particular interest in improving their gardens at present, perhaps due to the recent warm and sunny weather.

Meanwhile, B&Q owner Kingfisher revealed recently that the chain experienced a 4.4 per cent in like-for-like UK sales in the ten weeks leading up to July 10th.