Windows, doors and conservatories firm SEH BAC is adding block-paved driveways and patios to its offer.

John Savage, managing director, said: “We started adding single-storey extensions to our customer portfolio in 2015 and they have become increasingly popular with our customers so it made sense to make the leap to offer new driveways and patios, too.

“We’ve been helping home owners add value to their properties and cut down on their fuel bills for years and we think demand for these new home-improvement products will take off, too, as more people are deciding to stay put.”

A recent a survey for Barclays Bank suggested a lack lustre exterior to a property could knock an average of more than £50,000 off the selling price of a property in the UK.

Norman Hornigold, sales and marketing manager at SEH BAC, said: “If you plan on selling in the short term, the same survey suggested a potential buyer will make a decision about your property from the kerbside within 10 seconds and 44% of buyers will automatically take 20% off their offer if the exterior is scruffy.”

SEH BAC, which is part of Ipswich-based One Group Construction, has 18 showcentres in the South East, including some of largest in the UK, and it is set to open three more in 2016.

It recently won the double Glazing and Community Benefit award at the National Home Improvements Council awards 2015.