Faced with a lack of space? Want a new look? Here are 10 of the best projects to make the most of your home

1 Bathroom bonus
Investing in a decent bathroom makes good financial sense but it has to appeal to the largest section of the market as possible. So it’s wise to opt for a white suite in a classic style with chrome fittings. If you have enough space to incorporate an en suite bathroom into a bedroom, it will be a great selling point. Think about how to rearrange the bathroom layout, especially if the first thing you see is the toilet. Discuss with your plumber the various possibilities of moving the basin, loo or bath. Power showers are a definite plus. Install one over your bath if you don’t have a separate shower cubicle. But check with your plumber about the water pressure in your home, as it may need its own pump installed. Check out: Roman (www.roman-showers.com) for a variety of shower and wetroom options.

2 Use loft space
Let’s be honest. Most of us use our lofts to store boxes of clutter. But they are usually large and have the potential to become light and airy living spaces. Loft conversions can be an economical way of creating that extra space because the outer shell (the roof) is already there. There are two main types of loft conversion – dormer and Velux. Dormer conversions involve putting in a structural window that protrudes from the roof of your house and involves building an actual extension onto your roof. Alternatively, you can have a Velux conversion which is a simpler option. These are so-called because they refer to the type of window used – Velux windows are fitted flush against the slope of your roof, and open up and out, so there is no need for an extension to be built. Check out: The different roof windows and skylights available from Velux (www.velux.co.uk).

3 Sliding doors
It’s always worth spending a little extra on really good-quality sliding doors. Adding them from kitchens and living rooms out onto patios, decks and gardens can make a house feel bigger and airier by bringing the outdoor and indoor spaces together. And they often prove a real selling point for prospective buyers. Folding sliding doors are particularly popular – they work well in contemporary and traditional homes. Check out: Glazing manufacturer Klöeber (www.kloeber.co.uk) for a wide range of sliding doors.

4 Hardwood flooring
A smart new floor throughout the property or in problem areas can enhance the decorative scheme in your home. Many people opt for some kind of hard floor – wood is the most popular and flexible of all hard flooring because it’s available in every price range, tone and finish and works in most rooms. Floorboards can be bought in the more expensive solid strips, or in cheaper presealed laminated strips designed to interlock. Check out: Hardwood Flooring 4 You (www.hardwoodflooring4you.com) for a big choice of European oak flooring that is traditionally hand finished by craftsmen.

5 Underfloor heating
This is an alternative to conventional radiators and is becoming more and more popular. Not only is it a very efficient way to warm your house, but it can reduce fuel bills, too because it’s operated at much lower temperatures. Underfloor heating also ensures that you receive the perfect living temperature evenly spread throughout your home. Check out: The underfloor heating system from Floorheater (www.floorheater.co.uk) that uses specially developed panels that can be laid on top of any type of existing surface.

6 Bring the outside in
High-tech engineering and glass technology mean that you can now create stunning conservatory extensions which will add glamour and square footage. There are two ways to go. Hardwood conservatories work well in semis or detached houses with large gardens. For urban or contemporary homes, a structural glass cube with fine glazing bars or a frameless glass system will make you feel as if you are having dinner in the garden. Check out: A great range of conservatories and designs from Anglian Home Improvements (www.anglianhome.co.uk/conservatories).

7 Transform the garden
Doing up the garden will make the property look cared for. A lawn is high maintenance so if you’re not a keen gardener, reduce it or get rid of it altogether and replace it with hard landscaping. Keep the design simple and use different materials and colours to add interest. A mixture of paving slabs and gravel looks stylish. Decking is a low-maintenance option if you want space for outdoor dining and lounging, but it can be slippery when it gets wet. Patios make practical play areas even in winter and can double as barbecue and entertaining areas in summer. In terms of plants, perennials look good all year round and need little care. Verbena, for instance, doesn’t provide year-round colour but it does return year after year. Check out: The mix of garden plants, furniture, paving, decking and tools at your local B&Q (www.diy.com).

8 Consider open-plan living
According to property experts, homeowners should not feel afraid to knock through walls. It’s a brave move, but provided you do it well, it could both improve your home as a place to live in and add value. It’s important to invest your time and money wisely, to make sure you finish the job properly. And doing your homework is key to making your property look as good as possible. As you are creating an entirely new space, and may be putting in partitions and new windows – hiring an architect can be well worth the expense to ensure the results are really impressive. Check out: The Royal Institute of British Architects (www.architecture.com) to find a suitable one near you.

9 Give the kitchen a makeover
A roomy kitchen extension is a huge selling point, but what matters is how well it’s been done. The kitchen needs to be bold and imaginatively designed so that it creates extra space and uses it to the best effect. You want a chic, light-filled space with subtle but well-defined areas for eating and cooking, not a kitchen that’s a corridor to the back garden. It can be traditional or modern, but a good tip is to always put in as much glass as is permitted within building regulations. One spectacular room can sell a house, and a big kitchen full of glazing or, even better, a retractable roof you can open on balmy evenings is a real winner. Check out: The selection of modern and classic designer fitted kitchens at Moben Kitchens (www.moben.co.uk).

10 Freshen up the decor
Painting is a cheap and easy home improvement and can be changed if you want something different later on. Paint charts offer hundreds of shades but a simple, neutral look using a pale palette will create a contemporary feel and will emphasise space and height of a room, too. It’s essential that your walls don’t get grubby or faded so regular touch ups are a must to keep your home bright and clean. Check out: Your local Homebase (www.homebase.co.uk) for a wide choice of paints for all surfaces and painting accessories.

Pictures: getty images