HOMEOWNERS just love a spot of DIY, new research reveals.

According to Halifax, around half of us have carried out a DIY project during the past 12 months alone.

Figures suggest that, on the whole, big home improvement projects are taking a back seat in favour of smaller jobs that will make an immediate difference to the way our homes look.

The research found that redecorating, or laying new flooring was popular, while adding new bathrooms and kitchens were seen as a good way to improve the value of a property.