Millions of Americans are investing in home improvements, hoping to increase the long-term value of their most valuable asset. But do you know which home improvements will make your home's value jump, and those that won't? This practical guide covers all of the topics every homeowner must consider before getting started--improvements that add the most value, which should be undertaken first, and how to do it right from the very start. From remodeling the kitchen to landscaping the front yard and everything in between, you'll learn which improvements you should undertake, and which are a waste of your time and money.

How to Improve the Value of Your Home will help you get the most bang for your home-improvement buck--with handy tips on lowering the cost of home maintenance and home improvement projects. If you aren't sure whether now is the right time to remodel, a simple quiz helps you to determine what you can afford to do and what to expect as a long-term payoff.

And there's more:

*Calculate the cost versus the value of improvements
*What homework you need to do before tackling additions
*How to find the resources and information you need
*Where to find the right contractor to do the work
*How to set a home-improvement budget
*Ways to improve home energy efficiency
*Tips on saving on home insurance
*Simple ways to create curb appeal

Vicki Lankarge is a consumer writer and expert in protecting and improving the value of homes. Her works appears on aol.com, CBS Marketwatch, and MSN.com.

Daniel J. Nahorney is a home improvement weekend warrior, a journalist, business writer, and magazine editor.