Costly projects and ways to save
December 2009
Our mini poll last month looked into our readers' costliest projects. The expensive project that most opted for was a full kitchen refurb at 30 per cent. Just over 20 per cent had spent the most on an extension with a restyled bathroom coming in at 17 per cent and loft conversions at 10 per cent.
The 'Other' factor
The best answers, as ever, were shown in the 'Other' category. Our favourite luxurious item was a 'gold fish tank' and we had to chuckle at one reader's response to the most expensive 'home project' ever done when they said 'got married'.
Enough about spending, what about saving?
Although you may be looking to spend money elsewhere in the run up to Christmas, take a look at the table below for ideas that could turn into money well spent and savings made for next year and in years to come:
| Project | Cost | Saving | Payback |
| Cavity wall insulation | £250 | £115 a year | 2 years |
| Loft insulation | £200- £350 (DIY) | £150 a year | 2-3 years |
| Hot water cylinder jacket | £12 | £35 | less than 6 months |
| Pipe-work insulation | £10 | £10 a year | 1 year |
| Turning off at the plug/button | £0 | Up to £75 a year | N/A |
| Boiler replacement | £1000 | £235 a year | 4 years |
| Not using a tumble-dryer | £0 | £40 | N/A |
| Energy Saving recommended double glazing | £1000+ | £140 a year | 7 - 35+ years |
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Note that some of these costs are very dependent on the size of your home and what you decide to do yourself or get someone in to do for you. The double glazing market is the most difficult to price as it's extremely competitive so you should shop around to get a realistic and fair idea on price.
