Homeowners who are looking to complete DIY work should learn to strike a balance between personal taste and value, it has been advised.

Anna-Marie DeSouza, editor of Build It + Home Improvement magazine, advised that people's approach to home improvements should differ between those who are looking to boost their house's re-sale value and others who simply wish to enhance their property.

Ms DeSouza noted: "You need to think about what you're going to use and what people are going to be looking for when you sell on the home, and balance those against each other."

She also advised that residents must consider what they can and cannot afford to do to their house.

Her remarks follow the HSBC Home Improvement Survey, which revealed that the potential property value increase resulting from property improvements dropped in the last year by 23 per cent.

The research also discovered that 52 per cent of Britons are planning to complete renovations during this year's bank holidays.