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Hips 'leading to more energy-saving improvements'

08 April 2008

The introduction of home information packs (Hips) has helped to increase interest in energy efficient property projects, it has been claimed.

With the packs containing an energy performance certificate, homeowners are becoming more aware of the need to have energy-saving measures installed throughout their properties, according to B&Q.

The retailer said that while projects such as kitchen and bathroom renovations and new flooring are particularly popular, it has seen many customers look to home improvements such as insulation since Hips were launched in an attempt to make their properties more attractive.

"According to estate agents, this is what buyers are demanding," a spokesperson for the retailer said.

A quarter of Britons conducted home improvement work last year to increase the value of their properties, according to the annual Halifax Home Improvement Survey.

This is compared with the seven per cent of respondents who cited the same reason in 2006.

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