VAT may have increased but you'd never know

The back end of last year was pretty poor for home improvement offers and good finance deals were hard to come by, however, the January VAT increase has galvanised the home improvement industry into action.

The January 'sales' are well and truly on as window, kitchen and paving companies etc all vie for your money and if you've been thinking of getting a quote, then there will probably not be a better time than right now.

Here's just some of the offers and deals we've seen being promoted by our network of approved home improvement companies.

From reductions of between 30% and 60% off windows, conservatories and kitchens to cash back and VAT freezing prices.

'free extras'

Some are offering free extras, like in the case of one home extension company offering to pay all your design, planning and drawing costs. And if you've already got them, then reimbursing you what you've spent.

You'll also find there's a great choice of 'like for like' deals which include free upgrades - many window companies in particular are offering a-rated glass for c-rated prices or glass roofs on your conservatory at no extra cost.

These are massive savings and in the case of the window glazing being uprated free, means you can make your home even more energy efficient without laying out anymore money.

And if all thats not enough, then many companies are offering buy now, pay later and 0% interest deals to tempt you to part with your money. One Orangery company were offering 3 years interest free.

Unlike the car industry which has seen sales slump since the end of the Government scrappage scheme last year, home improvement companies are seeing something of a resurgence in interest in big home improvements as homeowners decide to improve what they have already rather than move to newer properties.

And Government schemes could play a big part in home improvements during 2011 as the solar panel industry looks to increase on the number of installations carried out in 2010, where homeowners were able to use feed-in tariffs to earn money for the energy they created. 2011 will see the arrival of the eagerly anticipated Renewable Heat Incentives - similar to the feed-in tariffs but focusing on water and room heating via solar panels and ground source heat pumps etc.

'Green Deal'

The Green Deal will also stimulate insulation and property upgrading for many, where homeowners will be able to enjoy the benefits of insulation and new windows etc, without having to pay any installation costs up front. The upfront costs being met by industry who will 'claim' the money back via normal household fuel bills.

Whatever home improvement you're planning or whatever offer you're most attracted to, your first step should always be to get a range of quotations so you can compare, first hand, the companies operating in your area.

The Quoter family of websites can help relieve the stress and time wasting by giving you the opportunity to enter your own location and improvement project details before giving you instant online price guides there and then. No salesman calling round and all available online at a time to suit you.

photo credit: dave and leslie