Given the upcoming hikes in energy prices, it’s no surprise many of those planning renovations are considering how to make their homes more efficient, and cheaper to run. TaskRabbit reports demand for smart home installations up 66 per cent on last year, and window-sealing requests are up by 111 per cent.
“Sustainability is very much driving the way forward and we’re seeing an increased trend and focus towards Passive housing,” says Tom Rutt, who is working on homes in London and the Cotswolds designed for super-low energy use, incorporating extensive insulation and air-source heat pumps. “This will start to become the standard,” he predicts, “and hopefully technological improvements will further increase the efficiency of how we use energy in our homes.” The popularity of pre-owned and ex-display kitchens looks set to continue this year, too.
Retailer Used Kitchen Exchange (usedkitchenexchange.co.uk) saw a 67 per cent surge in sales last year,
