Style: PHIL'S PROPERTY PICK-ME-UP

There are certain things in life that seem natural partners:
strawberries and cream, sea and sand, and surely, Phil Spencer and
Kirstie Allsopp.

They're the yin and yang of property experts, with Phil's down-to-earth
practicality and Kirstie's bubbly and effortless ability to bond with
couples seeking homes on Channel 4's two hugely successful series,
Location, Location, Location, and its successor, Relocation, Relocation.

"We're a bit like brother and sister because we know each other
extremely well now," says Phil, with a smile.

"We know what makes the other tick, how to wind each other up, and all
our bickering and teasing is totally genuine. What you see on the
programmes is what we're like off screen.

"I'm practical, good on the structural aspects and get a buzz out of the
buying deals. Kirstie's excellent at the architecture, interiors and
getting inside people's heads and relationships. We complement each
other well."

But while their TV partnership has run smoothly over the ten years since
they found fame, the property market has been battered by the recession,
and as a nation we've been forced to rethink our attitude to homes.

Now, the mantra's "don't move, improve" and Phil not only welcomes the
change in approach, but has put together a new comprehensive guide
called Adding Value To Your Home.

It evaluates a range of improvements as well as pointing out practical
ways to make a home more pleasurable to live in.

"Both are important nowadays. The cost of moving is high and homes
aren't shooting up in price as rapidly as they once were, so people are
staying put much longer," Phil points out.

"It's good that we're returning to the idea that homes are sanctuaries
and a refuge from the world of work, and not primarily assets that you
just do up to make a fast buck. A nd after all, why only make
improvements before you sell? Do them now and get the benefit for
yourself."

His golden rule for property buying is to "buy for the long term, adapt
if necessary, or buy something to improve and add value."

Phil, 40, a qualified surveyor and property finder, followed his own
advice when he bought the family home in Wandsworth, London, five years
ago, where he lives with wife, Fiona and sons, Jake, five, and Ben,
three.

He's almost doubled the size of the five-bedroom semi, by adding a
basement and a kitchen extension, and is currently creating a playroom
for the children.

"Personally, I have no intention of moving again...that's our home for
good!

"The market isn't going to race away as it once did. It will rise - but
probably only around three to four per cent a year, so adding value will
be key."

Follow Phil's advice on improving your ho me...

:: Extensions and lofts

"The way I look at it, it's cheaper to build a space than it is to buy
it. Square footage costs money," says Phil.

"A well-thought-out extension can feel like you've created a completely
new house. But think through your plans carefully so that you know the
result will give you a practical, usable area and, if it's a kitchen
extension, it doesn't overwhelm a garden."

Normally, he says, a skilful extension can add about 10-15% to the value
of the home, while a loft, which can cost between £10,000 to £40,000,
could potentially add between 15 and 20%.

But, he advises taking into account that storage space will be lost, and
installing a staircase to access the loft will encroach on the floor
below.

Phil's budget tip: If there's no money for large projects, make better
use of your space. Re-organise rooms, knock down internal walls to
create a bet ter flow between rooms, and make practical improvements,
perhaps by installing a downstairs toilet in an under-stairs space.

:: Kitchen magic

"Branded kitchens go in and out of fashion, so be careful what you
choose," he warns. "You don't want buyers dating your kitchen by the
colour or style of the doors, so opt for classic designs and
easy-on-the-eye colours."

And, as the fashion is for a kitchen to be the multi-functional 'heart
of the home', he believes it doesn't make sense to stint on appliances,
worktops and tiles.

He says the majority of people spend around £7,000 on a kitchen, and
agents estimate it can add around 5% to the value of a property.

"A good kitchen does sell a house faster. Estate agents tell me that
women buyers put the kitchen at the top of the property wish list. But
getting the layout right is crucial, so concentrate on putting
appliances in the right place and having properly planned storage
space."

Phil's budget tip: If a revamp is out of the question, simply change
doors on units, add new handles and perhaps a new worktop. Employ a
carpenter for a quality finish. Update light switches, replace worn
flooring with tiles or stone, and de-clutter surfaces.

:: Bathrooms

"A bathroom is a job most people don't want to do themselves, so it's
always a relief to see that it's done when you're viewing a house," says
Phil.

"Unless you're a Seventies aficionado, ripping out that avocado suite
and wildly colourful tiles might be advisable!"

A skilfully revamped bathroom can add up to 10% to the value of your
home, according to estate agents. Phil estimates the cost of replacing
an average bathroom as £1,000-£4,000.

He suggests taking inspiration from hotel bathrooms and adapting some of
their stylish ideas such as a bath with taps in the middle instead of
one end, or double basins.

Use large tiles in a cramped bathroom to give an illusion of more space,
and under-floor heating to free up the walls.

Phil's budget tip: "You can really add value if you splash out on
quality tiles, lighting and cabinets. Adding big mirrors will also make
a small bathroom appear bigger," he says.

Even spending a small amount, from £500 upwards, can add at least 3% to
the value of a home, according to mortgage lender, GE money. A heated
chrome towel rail, starting from around about £50, is a smart accessory.

:: Maintain and improve

"Ongoing upkeep and maintenance is crucial, as if you want to sell at a
later date, few buyers will be interested in a property that looks as
though it will be costly to repair and patch up," he advises.

Updating a boiler, ensuring wiring is up to date, and a roof is sound
are essential basics, he says, and while they may not be visually
decorative, they add to a property's worth and avoid the potential of
expensive remedial work.

Phil's budget tip: New central heating is generally guaranteed to leave
the homeowner with a profit when they sell, he believes. While it can
cost between £1,000 and £3,000 to install, the value added can be as
much as £5,000.

But, he warns, it's wise to make sure any fixtures and fittings
improvements are in line with the price bracket of the property itself.
Overspending on a low cost home is a waste, under-spending on an
expensive property could lower its appeal.