Home improvements that increase home value

FALLBROOK – When granite countertops or shiny, stainless steel appliances beckon homeowners from the display areas of home improvement stores, it's tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward the items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. Even though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult.

Return on investment, often referred to as "ROI," varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don't bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects b...