Property owners opt for open plan living

News Category: Industry News

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Open plan living is an increasingly popular trend among UK property owners, it has been claimed.

A recent report by Halifax Home Insurance has revealed that over the past five years 2.9 million rooms have "disappeared", as people have knocked down internal walls to create a larger living space.

The survey also found that 2.2 million properties will "lose" at least one room each in 2008.

David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, commented: "Britons have clearly fallen for open plan living and are looking at ways in which they can make better use of the space inside their homes."

However, a cause of concern is the revelation that one-in-four property owners, including landlords, plan to carry out such renovations themselves.

Mr Rochester urged people to get a professional to carry out any structural work, as well as seekingthe advice of a qualified structural engineer before proceeding.

"Any damage to a weight-bearing wall that results in ceiling collapse or other damage could also invalidate a buildings insurance policy," he added.

According to the survey, the dining room is the most popular room to 'knock through', often done to create more space in both rented and private accommodation.

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