As reported by Strutt and Parker in summer 2013, good schools, a garden and reliable transport links are no longer enough to satisfy modern homebuyers. We want more, and ‘more’ covers all sorts of things from marble floors and smart flooring to greener heating, intelligent ventilation systems and integral energy saving gadgetry.

At the same time Aviva reported how more and more of us are being seriously tempted by ‘grand’ interior design. And the Daily Mail recently reported at some length on the sale of former England cricketer Graeme Swann’s beautiful eco-friendly home, heated via an air source heat pump and featuring solar reactive double glazing.

Energy saving is in the news, and it is being given a higher priority by homeowners. This is the age of the high spec building… but high spec means much more than mere appearances. Yes, we want our homes […]