A study has found that people believe that they can create the ideal home by adding improvements such as bespoke conservatories to their property.

Research by housing charity Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) revealed that the majority of homeowners were more interested in building an idyllic living environment compared to simply increasing the value of their house.

According to the study, 73 per cent of homeowners have a specific house improvement project in mind and for 74 per cent of people their main motivation is to make the most of space and improve the look of their property.

The survey also found that installing bespoke conservatories was the second most popular improvement for homeowners, which narrowly came behind kitchen extensions but ahead of attic conversions.

Shelter chief executive Campbell Robb said: "This survey reveals that homeowners are almost ten times more likely to want to create a better home than merely increase its value, showing that home is so much more to people than just a financial asset."

Furthermore, the investigation discovered that 28 per cent of people surveyed said they would consider using an architect to help them transform their property into an ideal home.

The survey also found that 49 per cent agreed that architects add value by creating a property that stands out, which can include unique structures like bespoke conservatories and organgeries.

Moreover, 51 per cent of people who said they were not planning to use an architect felt that their project was too small to warrant one.

President of the RIBA Ruth Reed said that homeowners may want to employ the skills of an architect if they are planning to create complex installations such as bespoke conservatories and orangeries.

"Architects can add a huge amount to any home improvement project, however big or small. Whether it's knocking down a wall or creating a new extension, only architects can give the bigger picture, offering design inspiration, knowledge of the latest fixtures and fittings, and advice on everything from planning regulations to energy efficiency," he added.

Shelter and RIBA released the research to coincide with the launch of Architect in the House, a fundraising initiative, in which architects nationwide offer free hour-long consultations to the public in return for a donation to Shelter.

An investigation by insurance firm LV found that a worrying number of homeowners confessed to having unwisely completed construction work on their property despite not being properly qualified and without professional help or guidance.