Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The latest research by Pasquill shows that more homeowners than ever before are thinking about converting their lofts, and the coronovirus is probably to blame.
Pasquill found that Google searches for loft conversions rose by over 200% during the first UK national lockdown from march to July 2020.
At the same time, searches for the home office setup increased by 170% as office workers were encouraged to work from home by the UK Government.
Interest in planning permission rose unexpectedly with over 150% increase in searches around the rules and regulations when converting a loft. With an 80% increase of people looking to convert their lofts with a DIY approach.
With a 170% rise in searches around ‘home office setup’ alongside this, homeowners were looking to increase the workspace inside their property without increasing the property footprint as they spend more time at home.
Chris Powell, Sales Director at Pasquill, said: “This data strongly indicates that homeowners are looking for more longterm home improvement options, particularly ones that create more living space. With many people working from home indefinitely, loft conversions are an ideal and relatively affordable way to build a home office.”
