What home improvements will add value to my property?

Adding value to your property could be much easier than you think, especially if you have some quality tools and advice on hand. The main challenge is knowing where to start, particularly if you haven't attempted much DIY in the past.

Here are just some of the areas you need to think about when prioritising tasks around the home:

Set yourself a budget

Budget will have a big impact on how many home improvements you can perform and the overall effect you will be able to achieve. The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that in April, the value of total building work approved across the country increased 1.1 per cent in trend terms.

Once you know how much you can afford to spend, it's time to look more closely at which parts of your home to prioritise.

Be objective

It can be hard to be unbiased when it comes to deciding where to focus your attention, especially if you've been living in your home for a number of years. This is when it can be worthwhile to enlist the help of a friend or neighbour, who can take a step back and offer an objective view of what needs to be done.

Whether you're carrying out an air conditioner installation or focusing your efforts outside your home, make sure you know where to go to secure the right tools. They could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Focus on kitchens and bathrooms

Two rooms of the home that many people decide to renovate are their bathrooms and kitchens. After all, they're functional spaces that can be relatively simple to upgrade if you have a firm idea of what you want to achieve.

Bathroom DIY tasks could include investing in a new shower cubicle, or improving your storage options. Some fresh tiles or flooring could also make a real difference.

Some simple upgrades could make a big difference to your home.

"Simple things like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are pretty easy for homeowners to install, and they make a big difference in the look of the bath," Gwen Moran, co-author of Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring, told Bankrate.com.

As for the kitchen, ask yourself how practical the area really is. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed that four out of every five meals a week are cooked at home, so why not upgrade your work surfaces and appliances?

When your home eventually does go on the market, prospective buyers will be impressed by the revitalised space. The best part is that you don't need to spend a lot to make a noticeable difference.

Give your home's aesthetics a boost

Although making functional changes to your property can be beneficial, don't forget to give the aesthetics a second thought. The Housing Industry Association recently revealed that the country's home renovations market is increasing in value, suggesting many people are doing just that. Growth in the sector is expected to stand at 2.5 per cent this year.

All you need is to try a spot of DIY painting or concrete polishing and your home will look as good as new. This is especially important if your home is about to go on the market, as prospective buyers will appreciate that you've gone to the extra effort.

Don't neglect your exteriors

It can be tempting to place all your attention on the inside of your home, but what about the outdoor area? Some DIY paving will show that your property is great for entertaining all-year round, while a decked area will demonstrate the same.

Keep your finances in check and you could find you're adding more value to your home than you realise.