August 2009

Upfront costs of energy-saving improvements 'unavoidable'
While the initial costs of green home improvements are unavoidable, with energy bills set to rise the long-term benefits could outweigh them.

Scots invest £15m in energy efficiency
Some £15 million is to be invested in making Scottish homes greener.

Energy-saving improvements 'help cut costs'
One family have shown how some green home improvements can help lower energy bills.

Burglary Battle Bus to educate about home security
Greater Manchester Police are touring a special home security scheme around the area during August.

Specialist training needed for home improvement, expert says
An expert claims certain home improvement tasks require specialist electrical of plumbing training.

Green home improvements 'ever popular'
A study finds Brits are looking to make environmental improvements to their home.

Entrance to property 'should reflect rest of home'
A lifestyle expert has advised how to get the best out of an entranceway to a property.

Home improvement 'can lead to back damage'
An expert has warned Brits of the damage they could do to their back as a result of attempting home improvement.

Zero carbon property being researched
A project is set to be underway to develop a zero carbon house which can show the most cost effective energy efficiency measures.

Inefficient properties should be impossible to sell, expert claims
A spokesperson for the Energy Saving Trust has stated that it should be impossible to sell inefficient properties.

Modernising a rundown property 'can be a real opportunity'
Buying a rundown house and fitting double glazing, a new kitchen and bathroom can be a real money-making opportunity it has been claimed.

Critical need for energy efficiency improvements
An expert has claimed it is critical that the energy efficiency of housing in the UK is improved.

Homeowners seeking cut-price kitchen renovations
Many property owners are looking to change the look and style of their kitchens without breaking the bank, according to reports.

Blinds 'help to cool down conservatories'
The installation of blinds in conservatories can help to reduce their temperature, it has been revealed.

'Grand gestures' needed to encourage energy efficiency
An expert has claimed that "grand gestures" may be needed to encourage people to improve the efficiency of their properties.

Home security 'can cut insurance costs'
Homeowners could cut their insurance costs by increasing the security of their property, it has been suggested.

Homeowners 'looking to create space rather than sell'
A TV homes expert claims Brits are looking to make the most of their current home rather than move.

Study highlights home security concerns
New research from Halifax has revealed that many homeowners are failing to protect themselves from opportunistic thieves.

Over 3.5m homeowners 'not in a position to move'
An expert has suggested that over three million homeowners in the UK may not be in a position to move.

Conservatories 'can add value to any home'
One expert claims the addition of a conservatory will be a popular way to add value onto a property.

Public 'must get behind energy efficiency'
A local government official has called on homeowners to do their bit to improve their energy efficiency.

Nottingham and London 'are burglary hotspots'
New research has suggested that property owners in Nottingham should consider investing in home security products.

UPVC conservatories 'still in favour'
A large number of property owners across the UK are turning to UPVC conservatories to add space to their homes, it has been suggested.

Women 'tackling home improvements'
Women are increasingly carrying out home improvements and taking charge of projects such as new fitted kitchens and decorating, it has been claimed.

One in ten planning major structural improvements to home
Research shows 13 per cent of homeowners will make large-scale changes to their home in the next 12 months.

Double glazing 'can reduce carbon footprint of a home'
An expert claims double glazing has positive energy efficiency effects.

Home improvers advised of waste removal
Cannock Chase Council has issued a warning about flytipping as a result of home improvement work.

Cavity wall insulation 'a good budget home improvement'
An expert has advised how people can improve their homes without spending large amounts of money.

Property extension insurance confusion rife, research shows
A study finds people are unaware they have to tell their building insurer about extension work.

Now 'a good time' for home improvements
As builders' prices are currently low, now may be a good time to opt for work to be carried out on a home, it has been claimed.

Government 'must improve energy saving measures'
The government has been urged to provide more support to homeowners that are struggling to introduce energy saving measures in their properties.

Norwich eco-home unveiled
A 1930s property in Norwich which has been renovated with a range of energy saving measures is to be opened up to the public.

Ventilation 'key to a good conservatory'
Homeowners must ensure that conservatories are fitted with good ventilation, according to a leading provider.

Police officer issues home security warning
A police officer in Fenland and Huntingdonshire has urged property owners to embrace home security issues.

Energy ratings 'improving UPVC windows'
The launch of a new set of efficiency standards for UPVC windows has led to an increase in the development of more eco-friendly products, it has been suggested.

Cambridgeshire residents given home security help
Elderly residents in Cambridgeshire have been given advice on home security by local police officers.

Adding space 'could attractive property buyers'
New research has suggested that property owners may put themselves in a good position in the market by adding space to their homes.

Liverpool police get handle on home security
Police in Liverpool have been using a very simple method to improve home security in the city.

Brits 'lack home improvement knowledge'
Two out of five property owners in the UK lack home improvement skills, according to research.

Property owners 'must know their limits' on renovations
Homeowners in the UK should "know their limits" when planning renovation work over the bank holiday weekend.