If you cannot read this email, you can view it through your web browser here.

Still stymied by the credit crunch? There are still plenty of building project options open to a smaller budget: Add a Conservatory Fit a new kitchen Upgrade your bathroom Open plan your downstairs living area Add a porch Convert the under stairs cupboard into a downstairs toilet Add a utility room Give your home an energy efficiency makeover before the winter Conservatory A conservatory is a cost-effective way to increase the space in your home. Conservatories come in every conceivable shape and size, with corresponding costs. Do plenty of research before deciding on design, layout and furnishings. It's worth marking out the area before deciding on size too. New kitchen A great way to refresh a kitchen is to fit new worktops, cabinets, appliances, components, lighting or fittings. Do thorough research - you don't have to spend a fortune, but make sure you use a reputable builder, a registered electrician, plumber and Gas Safe registered gas engineer and that they provide you with the correct certificates to satisfy Building Regulations. New bathroom Installing new bathroom fixtures and fittings can give your bathroom a new lease of life. It's worth shopping around for a bargain and do remember to use reputable tradespeople. Open plan your downstairs By knocking down the walls between your kitchen and dining room, you could create an open plan living space, which would transform your home. Talk through your ideas with a reputable builder you trust and also seek advice on whether you need planning permission. Seeking inspiration as well as practical advice to help refresh and improve your home? The FMB is offering a year's subscription to Real Homes magazine for two lucky readers. » Click here to enter Competition closes: 30th September 2009. Come on down to the National Home Improvement Show For makeover ideas and practical advice, visit the Real Homes National Home Improvement Show at Earls Court from 2-4 October 2009. » Visit the website Earls Court from 2-4 October 2009 Add a porch (and fit a downstairs bathroom in too) Adding a porch could transform your hall by creating space for coats, shoes and wellies, ease congestion and provide shelter from the rain while you find your keys. There may even be space to squeeze a useful downstairs toilet into the porch area too. It generally doesn't need planning permission, but always check with your local planning office first. Make sure the style you chose is in keeping with the property. Convert the under stairs cupboard into an office or downstairs toilet Adding a downstairs toilet can be one of the most useful additions to your home, especially if you have your children or many visitors to your home. However seek advice on the cost implications, as drainage adds considerably to the cost. A macerator may be a cheaper - but noisier option. If the cost is prohibitive, then perhaps look at converting under the stairs into an office instead. Add a utility room If you have enough room in your home, it may be worth dividing off one area of the kitchen to make a utility room. This removes the washing machine, dryer and laundry away from the living space. Give your home an energy efficiency makeover before winter You could save around £300 every year by increasing the insulation, glazing and draught proofing in your home. For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website. Summary With all these projects don't forget to prepare your plans thoroughly and define your budget. Take care to choose a reputable builder through personal recommendation, check with a trade association such as the FMB and its website on: www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder or call freephone 0800 152 522. Seek at least three like-for-like quotes before making a decision. Don't just go with the cheapest - make sure you find a builder you trust and like. It is vitally important to agree a plan for the work and cost in a signed contract before starting. Seeking design inspiration for your home? The Essential Guide to Home Improvement is packed with ideas. The Essential Guide is FREE and offers plenty of ways to save energy and money, as well as suggestions for different types of home improvement. There are inspirational examples of beautiful homes and practical tips from industry experts on a variety of building projects. Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide now. Harrogate - Harrogate International Centre 6-8 November 2009 Somerset - Bath & West Showground 21-22 November 2009 National - NEC Birmingham - 18-21 March 2010 Scotland - SECC Glasgow 15-16 May 2010 » Please feel free to forward this email to a friend Please Note: You can unsubscribe from this email anytime by clicking the link below.