Most home improvements will increase the value of a home. Of course, many changes will not be made for resale reasons, but that’s no reason to ignore good research before you start.

People who want to boost the value of their homes should consider what improvements add real value before embarking on any projects.

Britons are a nation of DIYers but don’t forget, even if you ask a professional to do the improvements, the increase in the value of your home will instantly be worth more than you pay out. This is because it reflects the effort and consideration you have put in to the changes too.

The Woolwich, who recently published research conducted by ICM on home improvement, reveals ten home improvement jobs that give the best return on the investment. The higher the "value factor" the better the return.

Central Heating
Radiators and boilers are warm favourites. The best boilers to install are the energy efficient, gas condensing type which use 20 to 40 per cent less energy. Central heating is virtually essential these days - you may get a chilly reaction from house hunters if your home doesn't have it when you want to sell. Value factor – 10/10

Kitchen
Pick the best kitchen you can afford, while keeping your outlay in proportion to your home's value - installing something out of Homes and Gardens in a standard semi or terrace is a waste of money. Value factor – 8/10

Bathroom
Improvements to your bathroom are still a popular choice. Novel features such as corner baths, sunken basins and whirlpools are still popular. If you have a large family, think about installing a second bathroom, provided the money and space are available. Value factor – 7/10

Insulation
Half of all homes have less than the recommended six inches of loft lagging, three quarters are inadequately draught-proofed and cavity walls installed in only one out of five dwellings. We should make buying a home with good insulation a priority, because roof lagging soon pays for itself in lower fuel bills. Consider buying a jacket for a hot and cold water tank, lagging exposed pipes, fitting draught excluders to letterboxes and keyholes and installing a secondary glazing system. Value factor – 7/10

Extension
Your home's value depends more on the neighbourhood than your efforts at DIY, so building an extension resembling a stately home may not add significant value to your home. They can provide much needed space for a growing family, but make sure your extension doesn't clash with your home's scale or appearance. If it's an ambitious project, consider using a qualified surveyor to manage it for you. Value factor – 6/10

Decorating
This is one of the easier DIY jobs to undertake and its results offer more satisfaction. If you're decorating before putting a house on the market, go for simple approaches and neutral colours. Value factor – 6/10

New windows
Double-glazing provides extra insulation, which helps cut fuel bills. An added bonus is that the frames don't rust, rot or need painting. Make sure that the new windows you install suit your property. Always have at least one window on the first floor which opens wide enough for you to escape in the event of fire. Value factor – 5/10

Conservatory
You don't need building regulations approval if your conservatory will occupy less than 30 square metres, but planning permission may be needed, so always check. Also ensure it doesn't impose too much on your garden space. Value factor – 5/10

Improvements to the garden
Buyers go for neat, well-maintained gardens, which they can change easily when they move in, rather than those which are over – elaborate or landscaped. If your garden is particularly picturesque, try to wait until it's in full bloom before putting your home on the market. When buying a property, remember you could have a problem with moisture if the garden drains towards the house or its level rises above that of the damp proof course. Security does matter, and floodlighting can be an effective deterrent. It often looks good – but make sure it won't annoy the neighbours. Value factor – 4/10

Loft conversion
It needs careful planning or you could be paying a high price for a job which creates an odd-looking room that's hot in summer, cold in winter and which is often at the top of a steep and narrow staircase. If the job's done badly, it will decrease your selling price – and some conversions can look ugly. Even if it goes well, don't expect to get anything like the cost of it back when you sell – these alterations are not popular selling points. Value factor – 4/10