The average Brit needs to spend £18,000 over four and a half years to create their ideal home, according to a new survey.
A recent study of 2,000 homeowners, carried out by Network Veka, has discovered the cost and time needed to create a 'perfect' home - and what we're all spending where.
The poll was designed to see just how happy we are with our own interiors and what we would need to do to improve our homes. It found that less than 10% of us would consider our home 'perfect' and 55% of us have lengthy home improvement to-do lists.
It also found that 75% of us don't think we'll ever reach complete interior utopia due to budgets, time restrictions and ever-changing fashions.
Amongst the smaller chores, wallpapering, painting and buying a few new furniture pieces sit high on the to-do list, but the big projects include some pretty extensive extensions, carpeting and installing bespoke kitchens.
Just shy of half of participants - 41% - admitted to fighting with their partner over whether to employ outside help when planning work.
John Ogilvie from Network VEKA, added: "Whether it's big or small jobs, it's clear that we're a nation in need of some serious improvements at home.
"Many tradesmen have a tarnished reputation and are known for being unreliable, the cause of many home improvement blunders and an expensive alternative to DIY. However, finding the right one can make the difference between disaster DIY and creating a dream home."
So, how do you compare with the poll?
The top 20 jobs the average Brit wants to do to their home:
1. Paint a room
2. Refit the kitchen
3. Re-carpet
4. Refit the bathroom/toilet
5. Buy new furniture
6. Landscape or change the garden
7. Wallpaper a room
8. Build an extension
9. Convert the loft
10. Build a conservatory
11. Lay decking or patio in the garden
12. Replace internal doors
13. Replace external doors and windows
14. Install energy efficient windows/double glazing
15. Extend the kitchen to make it bigger
16. Replace carpet with laminate flooring
17. Add underfloor heating
18. Install an ensuite
19. Build a walk-in wardrobe
20. Install a downstairs toilet/bathroom
The top 10 reasons why our house will never be 'perfect'
1. We'll never have enough money
2. It needs professional work
3. There will always be something we want to do on our home
4. It's an ongoing project
5. We don't have the time
6. The things that need doing are too big/much for us to do
7. We can't do what we want in our current home so would need to move
8. We don't plan to stay here forever so it seems pointless trying to get it perfect
9. We've always got something else which is a bigger priority
10. We don't have the motivation to do it anymore
Need to update without spending a fortune? Check out our pick of the best budget wardrobes.
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