(NAPSA)—Your homeis your number-one investment, and with mortgage interest rates still low, many homeownersarerefinancing and investing in renovations. _ Zs (=== T ~ Bruce Johnson, author of “50 Sim- ple Ways to Save Your House,” says, “Maintaining your home and protecting your investment should be a top priority.” a me < Here are Bruce’s “S10 tips to increase the value of your home without breaking the bank. 1. Add a fresh coat of paint for a quick dramatic change. It is an Bruce .@ Johnson inexpensive way to completely transform your home. 2. Rediscover the natural beauty of hardwood floors. Beautifully finished hardwood floors are the hallmark of an elegant home. To makethe refinishing job easier, try using new Minwax Water Based Polyurethane for Floors. Its quick-drying formula is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. 3. Replace hollow core doors with raised paneled doors. Paneled doors are incredibly versatile; they act as excellent soundbarriers, add architectural appeal, and can be stained to match any dcor. 4, Remove particleboard cabinet doors and replace with solid wood doors. Solid wood doors are not only moreattractive, but will endurethe test of time. 5. Replace linoleum flooring in bathroom with ceramic tile. While many people consider it a luxury product,tile is actually affordable, durable and easy to keep clean. 6. Add new faucets in the kitchen and bath. New faucets A NEW HOME AT THE OLD AD- DRESS? Easier with the advice of a do-it-yourself expert. can add a fresh and modernlookat an affordable price. 7. Upgrade hardware on doors and cabinets. Subtle changes can makea big difference: While nickel and pewter finishes work well in traditional homes, high-gloss metallic finishes best complement contemporary styles. 8. Give your room some personality. Make your room your own by adding a burst of color to it. Choose from 68 custom water-based colors by Minwax to stain details such as wood molding, chair rails, and paneling. 9. Protect your deck. Wood pores absorb moisture; coat your deck with a sealer that dries “in” rather than on the wood. 10. Make your home stand out from the rest. Take a good look at the exterior. If you think it looks bland, give it some curb appeal by adding a different color stain to the shutters, refinishing the deck, or even planting a small tree. You can increase your home’s worth by taking the timeto give it the attention it deserves. For more wood-finishing tips and project ideas, visit the Minwax Website at minwax.com.
