Britons are increasingly looking to add more value to their house by expanding their property through a variety of guises.
That is the view of industry figures, who are seeing more and more Britons spending on additions to their homes in the form of basement conversions, loft extensions, conservatories and other means of creating more living space.
As well as creating a more comfortable environment, the process is helping some homeowners to add value to their property and even improve their environmental credentials.
Keith Defoe, a spokesperson for CellarWise, a basement specialist, said it was becoming much more commonplace for homeowners to want to develop their existing house, with many people keen to expand but not eager to move.
Mr Defoe also stressed that new additions would invariably improve the energy efficiency of a home because they would need to comply with building standards.
Using the example of a cellar, he noted specific tools could be used to tackle heat loss.
"You can put different types of pumps in now which can take the energy source from the ground," he explained. "There are different things you can do to make it more environmentally friendly."
Home improvements have become a popular pastime for Britons, with the potential for more energy efficient and better designed functions appealing to many.
A recent survey by the Halifax revealed the typical dream house for most Britons now included a wide range of key features, including double glazing, a fitted kitchen and a home security system.
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