Reducing VAT from 20 to 5% on such home improvements would be a start............ and not forcing you to get 'approved' contractors in to do the work would be another!!!
+1 to that.
A conscientious & careful DIYer, willing to take time, study the skills needed & do it properly may well end up with a higher standard finish!
The hard bit for allowing DIY for any scheme that involves government funding, subsidy or relief would be proving the quality (or even existence?!) of the work (not that using an 'approved' contractor is a guarantee of quality in some cases...). Any 'approved' inspection scheme would be bound to add costs, maybe even enough to outweigh any benefit?
While awaiting the ideal, I'll probably just get on with our rolling programme of improvements and & when funds & time allows...
David,
Exactly what we're doing.........
As I commented elsewhere though the kitchen upgrade cost as much as the outright purchase price of my second house in 1982. The dining room is 'ongoing' as we still have to progress the cornicing but already it is noticeably 'warmer' than it was.
I'll try not to think about just how much has been spent on the property.........
Regards
Richard