"Getting the builders in" beat ISAs, shares and premium bonds as the best way to make money in a survey conducted on behalf of the Federation of Master Builders' Master Builder of the Year Awards 2008.

The majority of Sheffield homeowners - 60 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men - said home improvement was the best way to make money.

Less than a quarter favoured traditional products such as ISAs (24 per cent) and only 10 per cent rated shares. Premium bonds, lottery tickets, wine and art scarcely registered as good investments.

The survey found Sheffield was the city with the most new kitchens, extra loos, added bathrooms and walls knocked down to create open plan living areas.

Other popular home improvements were remodelled gardens - particularly among 20-somethings and 30-somethings.

Almost half had added a new kitchen as an investment and 40 per cent had improved their garden as a way to make their home worth more.

A third favoured adding a downstairs loo or a walk-in shower, but less than 10 per cent deemed the much-touted conservatory a real investment.

Naomi Cleaver, presenter of C4 Grand Designs Trade Secrets - who is backing the awards - urged people to choose wisely when getting in a builder.

"For most people a home is the biggest investment they are ever going to make. Improving what they've got, not only ensures a better living environment, but also provides a better property worth more when the time comes to sell," she said.

"A well-maintained, up-to-date property will hold its value far better than a shabby, out-dated one. But good home improvement work relies on having a good builder. Choose wisely and before embarking on building work, find a good builder, agree plans and costs and let them get on with the job."

And she called for anyone who has had good work done to their home, to nominate their builder for an award.

The Master Builder of the Year Awards gives customers a chance to thank their builder for a job well done. Builders must be nominated by a satisfied customer who is so pleased with their finished project that they feel their builder deserves national recognition. It is designed to reward both builders and clients. For an entry form log on to www.findabuilder.co.uk or call 0870 162 0942.

The closing date for entries is July 31 and Naomi Cleaver will present the winners with their awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on November 13.

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