Put Your Money Where Your House Is

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't feel taxed this season, now is the perfect time to reinvest in your home by making simple and affordable improvements that add value and make it more enjoyable. Lowe's has economical tips and products that can help give your home a shot in the arm.

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"With the thought of a fresh new year in your mind, think about making improvements that add value in your home but also provide both immediate and long-term rewards," said Nick Canter, executive vice president of merchandising at Lowe's. "For instance, investing in ENERGY STAR products will not only improve the overall look of your home, but can help to cut costs on monthly utility bills and conserve energy as well."

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Make energy-efficient improvements to help you save even more money and energy. Choose ENERGY STAR qualified appliances like the Whirlpool 4.0 Cu. Ft. Ultra Capacity Plus Duet Washer (Item #216341, $998). Install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat with pre-programmed settings, which allows heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently, and save as much as $100 annually. For another handsome payback, dress up your home's exterior by replacing windows with ENERGY STAR qualified models. Another simple way to cut energy costs is to replace the five most used incandescent light bulbs in your home with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) like Bright Effects 6-Pack, 60-Watt CFL Bulbs (Item #46428, $9.98), which uses 2/3 less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer.

Instant Outdoor Appeal

The exterior of the house, which can be a major selling point for buyers, should leave a lasting impression. Give it as much attention as the interior with simple spruce-ups, including a freshly painted door, well-manicured lawn and shrubs, and vibrant plants and flowers. While it's too soon to begin spring planting, consider using hardier annuals and perennials in beautifully sculpted container pots. Also, replace house numbers and the mailbox, if needed. Make your home safer and help highlight its architectural features and landscaping by adding solar landscape lighting such as the Malibu 4-Light Metal 3-Tier Solar Walk Light (Item #130181, $34.98), which is easy to install with no wiring and provides economical accent lighting.

Don't forget about the backyard either -- an important feature when selling your home. Outdoor living areas can be a sanctuary for you to enjoy year around. As the popularity of outdoor living spaces continues to grow, consider starting with a floor made of concrete, stone or grass. Add stylish outdoor furniture like Lowe's exclusive Devonshire Furniture, to add comfort and combine with a Perfect Flame 5-Burner Gas Grill (Item #271573, $499) for the ultimate grilling with infrared technology.

Accessories can be the finishing touch and Lowe's has a wide selection of outdoor fashion items ranging from oversized planters, hanging wall decor and garden statuaries.

Effortless Renovations

With just a few cosmetic enhancements, you can have your home looking fresh and updated in very little time. Paint interior walls throughout your home in fresh and fashionable colors from Valspar Signature Paint Collection. Breathe new life into kitchen cabinets by replacing existing hardware with sleek and modern varieties such as Betsy Fields Design 32mm Beaded Knobs (Item # 132262, $4.97). Think beyond the kitchen. Add new hardware throughout the home including doorknobs, like Schlage Sienna Knob for Hall/Closet in Satin Nickel Finish (Item #123455, $27.97). For the quickest lighting transformation you'll ever make, try the Portfolio Recessed Light Conversion Kit and Pendant Lights (Item #244322, $48.98). As easy as changing a light bulb, it allows you to transform a recessed light into a pendant -- no tools or electrical skills required. Add a dimmer to the light as well for extra benefits. Try Lutron Abella Single Pole Digital Dimmer (Item #279138, $29.96).

Home Organization

Start the New Year with the motivation to get organized with these affordable updates. If your garage houses everything but the car, it's time to reclaim the space by using utility cabinets such as the Gladiator Large Gearbox Cabinet (Item #30928, $250) or Gladiator Modular Gearbox Cabinet (Item #30622, $158.88). Contain clutter with the ClosetMaid Long Handle Tool Hang Up (Item #72359, $7.47). In the kitchen, maximize cabinet and pantry space with items like the Real Organized 14" Hanging Sliding Basket (Item #72332, $16.97) and the Rev-A-Shelf 15" Double Chrome Cabinet Pull-Out (Item #278213, $84.97).

Cash your tax refund check with ease at any Lowe's store and use the money to make your home more enjoyable. For more information on home improvement projects that can add value to your home, visit www.loweshomeinvestment.com.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2006 sales of $46.9 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 13 million customers a week at more than 1,500 home improvement stores in 49 states and three in Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.