A DIY expert has urged consumers to buy the materials for any kitchen or bathroom improvements before the VAT hike - a move that could benefit plumbing course attendees in the short term.

Editor at Build It magazine Anna-Marie Desouza claimed it is a sensible idea to do this as long as people have the storage space to look after the items until they are ready to be used.

If this is not a problem, Ms Desouza encouraged individuals to beat the VAT hike and purchase all the materials they need for any improvements in the kitchen or bathroom.

These recommendations may inspire more people to carry out work on such rooms and hire tradesmen who have completed plumbing courses to ensure it is all done correctly.

"I am absolutely certain that before the end of the year there will be a rush from consumers investing in the more expensive items for their homes to save themselves money," added Ms Desouza.

Her comments follow the announcement that like-for-like sales revenue at Wickes has increased by 4.2 per cent in recent weeks.

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