Now is a good time for people to improve their homes through kitchen renovations and other jobs, an expert has said.Joe McLoughlin, director of OurProperty.co.uk, noted that banks are currently being very reticent about giving out mortgages, making it difficult for people to get hold of money.Doing extensions, repairs and renovations will be preferable to taking the big leap and trying to remortgage or get a new mortgage, he said.Now is a good time. Things like bathrooms and kitchens and having an extra bedroom, maybe in an attic, et cetera is always a good way to increase the value of a property.Such work could include upgrading vital fixtures like kitchen sinks and taps. According to Mr McLoughlin, homeowners can search for good, reputable builders to carry out work by using a range of websites, as well as word-of-mouth.He added that homeowners should check to see whether trades people are certified by relevant standards authorities.