When people want to create new properties or engage in structural alterations to their existing homes, they need expert help. After all, projects like this can be highly technical and, given the large sums of money that tend to be involved, it is really important that consumers achieve the best results.
To help ensure they meet their goals, they can turn to architects and interior design specialists.
These days, it is easy for people to access assistance from architects and interior designers London. By heading online, consumers can find architects and interior design companies in London within no time.
It seems as though demand for these services may be high in the UK at present. According to research conducted by uSwitch.com, nine in ten homeowners have renovated their properties over the last five years.
Of these, almost six in ten (58 per cent) have carried out extension work such as converting lofts, adding garages and building new bathrooms.
The average sum spent on these projects was found to be £15,000, although some renovations will of course be considerably more than this.
In a warning to consumers, uSwitch.com noted that unless people inform their home insurance providers before they start major work like this, they risk invalidating their policies. The price comparison site noted that most buildings insurance agreements are based on the structure of properties when the cover is taken out. Therefore, there is a risk that they will be rendered invalid if new rooms are added, load bearing walls are knocked through or other major changes take place.
Despite this, more than half (52 per cent) of the people polled who had carried out extension work revealed they had not informed their insurers.
Responding to the findings, personal finance expert at uSwitch.com Michael Ossei said: “We are a nation gripped by extension fever, with many people deciding to create more space in their existing home rather than move. But, with all the emotional and financial challenges of building work, home insurance is often the last thing on your mind. It’s absolutely vital to get in touch with your insurer before you start on any home improvement project to see how it will affect your policy.”
He added: “If you are extending your home you are likely to be increasing the rebuild cost – so you will need to make sure this is updated with your insurer. You might need to buy specialist insurance if your home has been built in an unusual way – such as if it has timber frames or another non-standard feature. Plus, if any external windows, doors or walls are removed during building work, you will be more vulnerable to burglaries, so you also need to make sure you are covered for this.”
As long as people adopt a responsible and measured approach to their home improvements, they should be able to avoid financial problems. Meanwhile, for the best results, it is important that they select suitably skilled and experienced London interior design companies. Although this requires some investment, it should prove to be more than worthwhile.
About the Author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who contributes regularly to a wide range of interior design and architecture sites, including the Manser Practice.
