Top tips on how to add value to your home
by TV's George Clarke

- Consult a good local estate agent before embarking on any work to check you are adding value and improving its resale position in the market 

- Making better use of existing space, such as opening up rooms, adding a conservatory or converting a garage into an additional room can come in at half the cost of a full extension and add a substantial amount to a property

- A professional garage conversion will add valuable ground floor space to allow expansion of the living area, kitchen or dining room whereas a conservatory is the most economical way to add both space and natural daylight to the home

- Outside areas are key to the quality and character of a property. Replacement windows and doors must be well made, double-glazed, secure, in keeping with the style of the property and surrounding architecture and heritage. A robust long term guarantee is also a must

- Avoid creating a shared drive or garden space as this will be detrimental to the value of your home

- It is also important to take expert advice at every step to avoid the pitfalls. Speaking to local planning officers before adding space to a property and seeking planning permission where necessary will ensure a smooth improvement process, as will sharing your plans with neighbours early on - they may disagree!

- Do not over spend on your home improvements, do seek value for money but avoid DIY botch jobs - this is money down the drain

- By checking planning guidelines and taking advice on 'permitted development rights' homeowners may be able to add space of up to 10% of the total floor area of the home without the need for planning permission