Seek professional help when undertaking enhancement projects

People eager to increase the amount of living space in their home – through the installation of features such as a conservatory, loft conversion or kitchen extension – should seek the help of professionals, a sector commentator has asserted.

Sarah Rundell makes her comments in the online pages of the Telegraph, noting that television shows such as Grand Designs have helped to "demystify" the profession and make people less nervous about employing someone to remodel a home.

Architect Jane Duncan tells the publication that as a rule of thumb, a small project will not require the help of an expert, but people planning anything major should not attempt such work on their own.

In related news, Neil Laird, home insurance manager at Sainsburys Finance, recently advised consumers to make their cover provider aware of any planned major home enhancement projects before they carry them out to ensure that they do not invalidate their policy.