24
MAY 2015 PRO INSTALLER
PRO NEWS
www.proinstaller.co.uk
TOP PROPERTY
IMPROVEMENTS
FOR A HAPPY
HOME REVEALED
Origin, leading British manufacturer of bi-folding doors,
windows and blinds, unveils research into the top property
improvements as voted for by UK homeowners.
A bigger kitchen, having
a good sort out, the
addition of a conservatory and bigger garden are among the top
home improvements
wished for by homeowners, according to a
study by Origin.
Research into the home
lives of 2,000 British families explored the aspects
that lead to a happy family
life and found that more
than two thirds felt that they
were in definite need of
more space at home.
Andrew Halsall, Managing
Director at Origin, explains:
“Space plays such a big part
in creating a happy home
environment. Despite home
technology and gadgets
becoming increasingly popular, families still consider
having the space to spend
time together, entertain
friends and socialise as the
most important element of a
happy home.
“While increasing the size
of a property is not always
possible, changes such as
opening up the home to the
garden or letting in more
light can create a feeling of
additional space, without
having to extend or move.”
The research found that
children have other ideas
when it comes to the home
improvements. A tree house
is most wished-for, followed
by a swimming pool in the
garden and a bigger playroom.
Among the list of essentials for a happy home life
were gadgets, modern comforts and family traditions.
Making the effort to eat
together, a trip away every
few months and having
both sets of grandparents
close by were also seen
as big factors. In fact, four
meals together a week,
more than one tablet and a
Netflix account were said to
be key for domestic bliss.
Andrew Halsall said: “The
list of things that people
attribute to happiness at
home is an interesting mix
of traditional processes,
efforts to create a warm environment blended with the
presence of technology and
modern comforts. It’s nice
to see that eating together
is still seen as the biggest
sign of family bonding and
a significant part of what
people say makes a happy
home.”
“Whether it’s through
physical changes like extending or developing the
property, or through making
a conscious effort to do
things together more, building that home environment
clearly leads to happiness.
After all, an Englishman’s
home is his castle.”
Narrowly missing out on
the list was the ability to
share the remote control,
having blinds to keep out
nosey neighbours and a set
of bi-fold doors opening out
to the garden.
TOP 10 HOME IMPROVEMENTS
FOR A HAPPY HOME
1. More Space
2. A conservatory
3. A bigger entrance hall
4. Rearranging the furniture to make the
rooms appear bigger
5. Updating the furniture
6. A bigger kitchen
7. Having a dining room table
8. Having a good sort out
9. Having a utility room/laundry room
10. A loft conversion