There are countless television shows telling us how to add value to our homes through home improvements. Our lifestyle aspirations may not always match our budget but there are strategies everybody can follow to find ways to boost the value of their home.

Space

If you have money to invest, building conservatories, converting the cellar or loft and adding extensions are desirable. It may be a higher cost of investment, but extra space should have bigger rewards in the long term.

Home improvements

Although major alterations should pay off financially in the long term, they won't necessarily pay off in the short term, so your primary incentive should be because you need that extra space for your family or quality of life.

Be wary

But you need to consider what improvements fit well with the style of the house and the area it's in. Throwing cash at your home won't necessarily increase its value. It's no use adding a vast extension, swimming pool or garage to your property if you are surrounded by properties of much lower value. The location determines the price as much as the property itself. Also luxurious additions like swimming pools can actually devalue your home. They are expensive to run; a health and safety hazard for children, and certainly don't fit into the character of the majority of British homes.

Sure fire winners

?Central heating is expensive to install but most buyers consider it essential.

?Windowswell insulated windows help reduce noise pollution and are more economical for heating a home.

?Original featuresif your home has original features, keep them, they can add charm and character and become a key selling point over a home that has bland, modern and often cheaper fittings.

?A new kitchen could add 5% on the value of your home.

?The bathroom is the next important room to attendshower powers are always a winner.

It could backfire

?Stripping wooden floors is fashionable, but check the quality of your floorboards first.

?Don't be tempted to add an extra bathroom at the cost of a bedroom.

?Open-plan living is attractive but knocking down walls means fewer rooms, which could actually detract from the value of your home.

Cheap but effective

If you are looking to sell and have a tight budget, than there are there are smaller, and cheaper things you can do in the short term that will make your home more attractive to buyers.

?Green fingers - even if you don't have a garden, hanging baskets and window boxes add colour and character, and can help improve an unattractive view. It also shows the house is well cared for.

?If your upholstery is looking worse for wear, a throw can help spruce up sofas and detract attention from the worn out furniture

?De-clutter your homeit will make it look more spacious and the less personal knick-knacks around, the more a buyer can project their own style on the property.

?Keep it neutral. Purple walls may add individualism but they can be a big turn off. Keep your space light, airy and spacious feeling. People buy space and light, so keep wall colours off-white and accentuate your windows.

And finally, if you do make improvements or renovate your home, ensure you have updated your home and contents insurance and amend the level of cover as necessary.