Remodeling is more than simply a great way to make your home more comfortable and resource efficient, it is a great way to add value to your investment. Today, homeowners are increasingly remodeling to improve energy efficiency, add value or accommodate changing traffic flow through the home.

However, some home improvements are safer investments than others. So, courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), here are the most popular room requests NAHB member remodelers receive from customers to add both comfort and convenience to a home while enhancing it's value.

Improvements to bathrooms and kitchens are historically the remodeling projects that increase a home's value since they are the most popular rooms and receive the greatest use over time. Of these, the kitchen is most likely to need updating. Homeowners may want to consider replacing aging cabinetry, upgrade appliances changing the kitchen's style or floor plan for better flow.

Today's remodelers are experts in creating efficient kitchen layouts where even small changes can result in big value. Upgrading appliances can also result in added convenience and energy savings. New door handles and paint are an easy way to add new life and value to your home. A kitchen remodel is a long-term investment that will pay dividends in resale or just overall convenience for years.

Bathrooms are the second most popular remodeling project for existing homeowners to create spacious and more lavish bathrooms. Possible bathroom improvements often include modern cabinets, multiple vanities and unique showers or baths. Bathroom remodeling can often mean simply making the most of your current space by upgrading fixtures, flooring and lighting. Adding another bathroom is a also great way to increase the value of your home.

Bedrooms are the most versatile rooms in the home, so remodeling can transform an unused bedroom into an important new part of the home. Because bedroom remodels offer so many and such diverse opportunities, consider all the opportunities that a bedroom space holds before you start a remodel. Likewise, with open floor plans becoming more in demand, a family room that doubles as office space or an entertainment center is an excellent way to make existing homes more like new. Consider the innovations that have changed the way we entertain, socialize and relax. Today's homeowners are increasingly interested in spaces such as home theaters, exercise rooms, libraries, sound systems or other features.

Some families, especially those with college - age children or those starting out on their career paths, might want to consider additional storage areas. Every room in your house has the potential to deliver needed organization and structure. Maximizing all your space will help manage your storage needs.

Because people are living and staying active longer, many homeowners want to make room for an aging family member or person with a disability. Here you can begin by visiting www.nahb.org/remodel for information on the Certified Aging- In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program modifications.

On the outside, new roofs are a great way to enhance your home's exterior while increasing you're home's 'curb appeal' because roofs make one of the first impressions people have of a home.

Because 30 percent of a home's energy is lost through windows, replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones will pay for itself over time with reduced energy costs and enhances both the inside and outside of a home.

When you are ready to start remodeling, ask for remodelers with NAHB certifications or designations. The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation is considered one of the most prestigious in the industry, and means the remodeler has the highest commitment to professionalism and continuing education. A Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) - trained remodeler has learned the specialized skills of modifying homes so they are safe, comfortable and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more here. For more information on adding value to your home, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

Homeowners also can claim up to $1,500 in expanded energy - efficiency tax credits for remodeling their principal residence to reduce energy consumption thanks to the Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit (25C). The tax credit can for heating and cooling components and your local power company may provide additional rebates.

In addition, the Wind, Solar, Geothermal and Fuel Cell Tax Credit (25D) credit for renewable energy products now provides larger incentives for remodeling with geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. The tax credit is 30 percent, there is no cap on their cost through 2016 and taxpayers can claim the credits on IRS Form 5695. Visit http://energysim.toolbase.org to determine likely costs of upgrades and savings.

You can also find information on rebates from utility companies and other state and local government incentives at www.dsireusa.org and www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit.

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