In the New Year, new research from home insurance provider Neos reveal that 6.2million Brits are planning to install a new mod con in their home (wood burning stoves, boiling water taps etc) - we’ve got the top 10 most desirable home mod cons in 2018.
It is estimated that 19 million already have one installed – they are most popular in London (69%), followed by the North East (67%), Northern Ireland (61%), West Midlands (61%) and Scotland (60%).
Read more: New Year resolutions for a super smart – and tidy! – home
The most popular are connected thermostats (26%), washer/dryer combos (13%) and boiling water taps (10%), and 6.2 million plan to install one of the top ten most popular appliances in the New Year. Almost half (45%) say they installed one to make their life easier, whilst 17% like the way they look.
Top 10 mod cons for 2018
1. Connected heating/thermostat
2. Washer/dryer combo
3. Boiling water tap
4. Fridge with water and ice dispenser plumbed in
5. Voice controlled speaker e.g. Amazon Echo, Google Home
6. Connected security camera
7. Wet room
8. Wood burning stove
9. Under floor heating
10. Connected home sound system (in multiple rooms)
Yet mod cons such as wood burning stoves, wet rooms and boiling water taps put homes at risk - 28% of homeowners say they have, or know someone who has, experienced an accident in their home caused by these mod cons. In fact, the trend for wet rooms have driven up water-related insurance claims by £2,500.
“Millions of people are installing mod cons to make like easier and add a touch of style, but, in doing so, could be unwittingly adding new risks to their homes. We wanted to understand the steps people are taking to prevent problems happening. It’s clear more can be done at the point of installation and post-sale to make sure they have the right advice to use these appliances safely," says Matt Poll, co-founder of Neos.
Read more: 6 ways to detox your home for the New Year
What are you planning to install in your home in 2018?
-
My family put the Bissell ProHeat carpet cleaner through its paces – chocolate, wine, felt tips and coffee were no match for this incredible machineWith the three amazing cleaning modes, it's a game-changer for those with kids and pets
-
Should you deadhead tulips? What you need to know if you want your bulbs to flower again next yearThe task could be key to bigger, better displays next spring
-
Garden experts reveal the clever 4p trick that will turn hydrangea blooms from pink to blueIt couldn't be easier (or cheaper) to give your hydrangeas an update this summer
