The Guardian explained: “Home builders pushed ahead with new projects during October, making the construction sector one of the few bright spots in the UK economy as tiered lockdowns began to take effect across the north of England and Midlands.”
With households currently in the second biggest lockdown since covid-19 hit almost 9 months ago, the demand for renovating homes, kitchens and spare rooms has continued to grow.
“We are still getting people asking for new kitchens,” explains Josh Delane of The Wood Works. “We thought this might come to a halt during lockdown but the demand remains consistent and we are delighted to keep our staff and employees busy during this unpredictable time.”
The surge in home renovations continues as UK households are spending more time at home and there is uncertainty over whether they will return to the office full-time or in stages. With this in mind, people are looking for ways to expand their current living arrangement, whether it is expanding their kitchens or making home offices either in spare rooms, converting garages or garden offices.
The government’s cut in stamp duty until March 2021 has equally created a demand for home buyers and renovations - with particularly first-time buyers able to purchase a property under £500,000 and pay zero stamp duty.
“The stamp duty cut has also contributed,” Delane continues. “With homeowners saying thousands on the stamp duty of a new home, they are putting this money into sprucing up the place. And with the deadline at the end of March, they are trying to move as quickly as possible.”
“Less people are likely to be taking off this Christmas period, especially if they are limited in terms of going to Christmas celebrations, shops or abroad on holiday - so we expect business and staff to be continuously busy over the holidays.”
