The Cost of DIY & Home Improvements

Buying a home is likely to be the biggest investment of our lives and it’s no wonder that people want to spend money improving it.

During lock down, many more of us have been laying our own patios, fixing shelves or employing builders to create the extension that we’ve always dreamt about.

Adam Shaw , expert guests and listeners discuss the finances of home improvements. How to negotiating with builders, how much to set aside for contingencies, what to do if you feel the job is not up to standard and how to get your money back if you are not satisfied.

We hear the experiences of first time buyer Frances, builder Tomas and DIY shop owner Louis alongside experts Brian Berry, the CEO of the Master Builders Federation. Chloe McCulloch, the Editor of publication & website, Building and Martyn James from the independent, free, issue resolution service, Resolver.

Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk to share an experience or with a question for the panel.

Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon