If you can't move, why not improve?

House prices have remained quite static in the past few months, and many home owners are now less willing to sell their homes, which means an upgrade to a bigger house or a new suburb may not be on cards for them, at least not for another year or two until house prices start to show some positive movement again.

So what to do in the meantime? A growing family, a need for improvement or the urge for change can still be handled by improving your current home.

There are many additions and changes which can be made to the home. Sometimes all it takes is a lick of paint, a new couch or the careful rearrangement of the home. More drastic changes can be made, such as replacing the kitchen, pulling out the bathroom, knocking down a kitchen wall to make the living room larger...the possibilities are endless.

Upgrades and renovations surely add value to your property, although it is doubtful that you will see speedy returns on this investment in the form of a higher price if you sell your house this year or next.

Because home improvements will not really add any actual financial value to the home at present, it's important that home owners who plan to renovate or refurbish their homes are making these improvements because they want to live in their houses for some years to come, and aren't doing them in the hope of getting a higher price from an upcoming house sale.

Bear in mind that all renovations, even minor ones, should be reported to your home insurance provider, or you may find that your new kitchen, or carpets or furniture is not covered in the event of a claim.

Some UK home insurance providers may want to increase your premiums after a remodel, but after a quick search for online home insurance you will discover that house insurance doesnt have to be expensive.