EDITOR ' S CHOICE
EXTENSION ENVY : OVER HALF OF BRITS KEEP TABS ON THEIR NEIGHBOURS ’ RENOVATIONS
Britain revealed as a nation ‘ keeping up appearances ’ as homeowners will renovate their properties after their neighbours have done so .
With summer in full swing and people spending more time in their gardens , how much do Britons enjoy snooping on their neighbours ’ homes ? IDSystems has revealed that almost two in three ( 64 %) Brits keep tabs on the renovation work happening in and around their neighbourhood – with 41 % particularly interested when it ’ s something noticeable , such as a kitchen or patio extension .
A national survey of 1000 people by luxury glazing and bifold door specialists , IDSystems , found that the nation ’ s interest in their neighbours ’ renovation work extends past simply admiring – as 44 % revealed themselves as envious observers and would seek to renovate their home after seeing that their neighbours had done so . Britain appears to be aware of its nosy habits , however , as 86 % of Brits claimed curb appeal is important to them and want their property to look good both from the front and back .
Edward Stobart , Head of Projects for IDSystems comments : “ It is understandable that most homeowners wish for their property to look presentable . What is interesting to see however , is how witnessing work nearby actively influences the work that people have done on their homes .
“ We have clearly become more aware of what ’ s going on around us , including what our neighbours are having done on their properties . It seems that the larger renovations are the ones that are really catching our attention - and as we are noticing them more , there could potentially be a rise in demand for these types of extensions .”
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