More and more people are willing to spend money on making improvements to their kitchens, an expert has claimed.Updating kitchen sinks and worktops is becoming increasingly popular as homeowners choose not to move house while the recession continues.Editor of Grand Designs Magazine Claire Barrett said that people are definitely staying put at the moment as a result of the ongoing housing crisis.Something that weve noticed is people are staying put, so they are willing to spend what money they have got on doing improvements - whether thats kitchens or bathrooms, she said.Individuals are focusing on creating a home, rather than seeing property as a cash cow, Ms Barrett said, adding that as the housing bubble has now burst, owners are really focusing on updating their home environment.Property owners are not always turning to professionals when carrying out work in their home either. Recent research from Sainsburys Home Insurance revealed that some 21 per cent of adults have carried out their own plumbing jobs in and around the home.