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Is 2011 the DIY comeback year?
The new year is a time when many households decide to make some improvements to the home which can range from buying new pieces of furniture to extensive refurbishments.
However as Christmas can be an expensive time of year as well, January is a month which might involve a lot of window shopping and discussion. Retailers will inevitably do as much as they can to be competitive which also means there will be some fantastic deals to be found.
The fragility of the economy is still a major concern for many consumers and might stop some shoppers from ordering a whole new bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. However, everyone is different and some people might prioritise the furniture or the electrical appliances such as new TV’s and sound systems.
Other consumers might look at the situation and think that now is a good time to invest in the property with new additions such as double glazing or loft insulation. Features such as these can significantly reduce energy bills and over time you easily cover the cost with the savings made.
For shoppers the biggest news of the new year is rise in VAT from 17.5% to 20%. This is going to make certain things that little bit more expensive which may result in families having to rein in the spending which could be very damaging for retailers. Thankfully VAT does not apply to the vast majority of food items so it should not make feeding the family any more expensive.
Decorating the home with small additions or perhaps some DIY are likely to be popular in 2011 with consumers trying to get as much as they can for their money. If this is your choice then it is advised that you also invest in some cheap blinds or temporary blinds because maintaining the privacy of your own home is important.
As 2011 gets underway it is clear that many people are apprehensive about the future but there is also some room for optimism that things will improve. Fear is a powerful and infectious force. However if you think carefully about what you are spending your hard money one and make the right choices then there is nothing to fear.
