It's been a long time coming, but with homeware stores reopening on Monday, now is a perfect time to do up your house.

There has been a marked increase in homeowners looking to switch mortgages to release equity in their properties for interior renovations, a new report has found.

An average of €30,000 is being sought and released with the money earmarked for improvement projects including attic conversions and garden remodelling, with enquiries up by 20pc since March as people spend more time thinking about their living space.

The average Irish homeowner is needlessly paying up to €3,624 in extra mortgage repayments per year by not switching lenders, according to the doddl mortgage switching index.

The spread between the highest and lowest interest rates available on the market has now grown to 2.3pc – working out at a saving of €122 per month for every €100,000 owed on a 25-year mortgage.

This morning on Dermot & Dave, DIY expert Laura De Barra joined the lads to give give all the tips you need when doing up your home during lockdown.