Essential Remedial Work

There is nothing glamorous about repairing a roof, or curing dampness and rot, but your first priority must always be to make and keep the basic structure of your home sound. Failure to do so jeopardises the thousands and thousands of pounds that you've committed to pay for your home. You may choose to have other work done at the same time, to save disruption later.

Home Improvement

The aims of any home improvement should be:

• to add value to your property
• to improve the quality of your life, giving extra space, light, warmth, or convenience

It's important to keep a balance between these two criteria. Don't put in too much capital - it doesn't make sense to install a kitchen that's worth a third of the value of your apartment. And beware of devaluing - replacing traditional period windows with aluminium or uPVC frames is a classic mistake.

To avoid these pitfalls:

• talk to local estate agents about the effect your proposed improvements will have on the value of your property. Most agents are happy to give free advice. If not, you need not use them when you come to sell your home.
• look at neighbouring houses to see what changes have been made, and whether or not they are successful