2002 what were you improving then

2002 – what were you doing then? Were you celebrating as the Euro hit the streets or just because the UK had been declared free of foot and mouth?

Were you outraged over Camp X-Ray pictures or the fact that Diana Ross was arrested for drink-driving?

In the year when the Queen Mother died, according to an old report by the Abbey National, many of us were investing in home improvements as rising equity levels put us in the mood to reinvest in our homes and people sought to either increase the value of their property or just make it a nicer place to live.

In 2002, those projects considered most likely to increase the value of your property were Extensions, Loft Conversions and Conservatories, whilst new Kitchens, Central Heating and Double Glazing whilst making your home more attractive to buyers weren't considered to add much value.

Swimming pools and landscape gardening were the two improvement areas most likely to leave your property value unaltered.

In 2002, the most popular home improvement was new kitchens with 23% of home improvement loans taken through the Abbey National going towards the room where all the best parties are held.

This was followed by 21% borrowing for a conservatory, 18% for double glazing whilst 17% opted for landscape gardening and 8% had central heating installed.

5% planned a new bathroom, 5% planned a swimming pool and 3% wanted to build a garage.

The research was based on 1000 Abbey National Home Improvement loans from the first quarter of the year.

You can get instant online quotes for your next home improvement project from www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk.