Open plan living means nearly 3 million rooms have disappeared

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by Kay Murchie

According to Halifax Home Insurance, open living is becoming so popular that 2.9 million rooms have been removed from UK homes during the last 5 years.

It is reported that an additional 2.1 million homes are planning to renovate this year, with the removal of at least one room planned. At least 590,000 of these changes could be to remove a dining room, making it the most likely room to be ‘knocked-through’.

The Halifax said if the trend continues, the traditional dining room could be no more by 2020. A further 190,000 living room walls may also be knocked-down to create larger lounge areas while 170,000 utility rooms will become incorporated into kitchen areas.

David Rochester of Halifax Home Insurance explained that people in the UK clearly have a passion for open plan living and are exploring ways in which they can make better use of the space inside their homes.

However, the Halifax has established that around a quarter of those planning a change during the next year plan to do the work themselves.

However, the insurer advises homeowners to get a qualified person to perform any structural work to their home, as well as asking the advice of a qualified structural engineer before progressing work to knock down any walls, continued Mr Rochester.

Homeowners are advised to obtain specialist renovation insurance when carrying out renovations to their home. In addition, building regulations advice from their local council should be sought.