Experts will "save you money in the long term"

Employing an expert to help with a self build project or a renovation of a property will be extremely beneficial, says celebrity property expert Phil Spencer.

Mr Spencer - star of Location, Location, Location - says homeowners should always consult experts about property improvements because they are likely to be able to "save you money in the long term".

Simple measures such as insulating a hot water tank will only cost £5 and property owners will soon see a return on that meagre investment, he advises.

Larger projects that can be tackled include loft and cavity wall insulation and installing solar panels, while experts can help you come up with other money-saving ideas.

"I am a big fan of getting professional advice involved in anything that you are not an expert," Mr Spencer says.

A recent survey, commissioned by Lloyds and carried out by Tickbox.net and Opinion Matters, found that half of estate agents have seen an increase in the number of homeowners taking their property off the market in order to make improvements to their home.