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If you're currently trying to move house or you're thinking you might move home, to get the extra space for a growing family or a the hobby / work area you've always promised yourself, then prepare for disappointment.

Estate agents around the UK are lamenting the fact that there just isn't enough housing stock on the market, to offer people 'just what they're looking for'.

Would-be home movers are being forced to settle for less or are staying put and increasing the living area of their present homes.

Aside from saving all the costs associated with moving home - legal and stamp duty fees, not to mention removal costs. Extension and conversion costs are very attractive and you also get the benefit of having a direct hand in how that extra space is planned and laid out.

This means a garage can easily become anything from a larger kitchen to en-suite annex. Working from home or about to embark on a new career from home? A garage conversion or extension can add the space you need and by incorporating exterior doors, you can even make your 'office' open to visitors without them having to walk through the rest of your house.

And if you're after more leisure space or room for those pesky teenagers, then converting the loft to become a cinema room or den can give both parties some breathing space. Of course, once those same pesky teenagers have left home, you can revert back to your original plan of a en-suite master bedroom!

When you're arranging quotes, check with the companies their payment terms. Some may offer payments in instalments as the work progresses, whilst others may have their own terms & conditions regarding payment.

Look out for ">offers like free flooring, electrics or drawing of plans. Small jobs compared to the overall cost but any savings, that make the most financial sense to you, are always worth exploring.