Leaflet labels may be scrutinised in detail by shoppers this month, with one source reporting that DIY sales have increased.

According to moneysupermarket.com, 16 per cent of Britons will be spending money on home improvement products during April's bank holidays, with the average loan taken out to fund them worth £14,000.

Those in the West Midlands were likely to splash out the most on their properties, while people in Scotland were planning to spend the least.

Tim Moss from moneysupermarket.com said: "With the warmer weather arriving and TV full of DIY adverts, many people may be thinking about taking advantage of the extra holidays and lighter nights to make changes around their homes."

He suggested homeowners should check promotional labels for items such as paint and new carpets in order to give rooms an inexpensive makeover.

The National Home Improvement Council recently urged people wanting major renovations to bring in a professional to carry them out.

Denny Bros Ltd, 27 April 2011