The UK is a great place to buy home improvement products, whether you’re looking for bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances or home furnishings. You can find many top brands in the sector, but there are also a number of independent manufacturers who produce high-quality home improvement items at competitive prices.
The home improvement industry is big business in the UK Home Improvement, with one in five Brits planning to move house within the next year and almost two-thirds putting money aside for renovations. Whether it’s a new bathroom, or creating a home office, more and more people are getting on the DIY bandwagon to boost the value of their property.
If you’re not a keen DIYer, the good news is that you can always hire a professional to help. The UK is home to a range of professional building contractors, from small local firms to large national companies.
When it comes to choosing a home improvement company, you should make sure they are members of a trade body such as the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC). This organisation is a non-profit making group that works with homeowners, government and contractors to raise standards and improve the quality of home improvement across the country.
NHIC’s mission is to increase awareness of standards in home improvement, raising consumer confidence and promoting the benefits of making improvements at home. In addition, NHIC members and partners work hard to support householders by providing dedicated advice based on government guidance relevant for each specific trade and subtrade.
The NHIC has been in existence since 1974, and has grown over the years to become a key voice in the home improvement sector. Today, the NHIC continues to advocate for raising standards in the home improvement industry and supporting householders in choosing tradespersons or contractors who are trustworthy.
UK-made Home Improvement Brands
The UK’s DIY and home improvement market is dominated by several leading retailers, including Kingfisher plc, which owns both B&Q and Screwfix. The two stores offer a wide range of tools and hardware for the average DIY enthusiast.
Another popular UK-based home improvement brand is Titan, a leading manufacturer of ladders for over 80 years. The company’s range of step ladders, loft ladders, roof ladders and stagings are all made in England.
Other UK-based manufacturers in the home improvement sector include Guttercrest, which manufactures rainwater guttering systems and downpipes, hoppers and fascias. The company also offers a range of energy-saving and climate change solutions to lower your bills and cut carbon emissions.
Alternatively, you can also make your own home improvements by installing energy-efficient equipment, like solar panels or wind power. If you’re eligible, you can use a Smart Export Guarantee scheme to receive payment for the electricity you generate and export back to the grid. This could save you a few hundred pounds a year on your energy bill, making it an excellent investment that will pay for itself in the long run.
There are also a range of grants available for those who need to improve their homes. For example, if you have a disability, you may be able to get a grant from your local authority to pay for disabled facilities. You can also apply for an energy grant if you want to install solar panels or other low-carbon energy technologies in your home.