For parents whose last little bird has finally flown to coop, the combination of available space at home and expanded cash flow offers potential for a new kind of nesting. While the improvement possibilities are many, the current state of the housing market demands projects that'll deliver both immediate enjoyment and a strong return on investment down the line.

Before making a move toward the local home improvement center, wise empty-nesters should review Remodeling Online's Cost vs. Value Report, which delivers recent data on popular improvements and the return on investment you can count on when it comes time to sell. The size of the project, elements and costs are included among the categories, and can help you judge just how far to go with your plans.

For instance, a Major Kitchen Remodel may be tempting, especially when you see that 78.1 percent of the cost could be recouped at selling time, but the less-is-more route of a Minor Kitchen Remodel actually nets a higher return on investment at 83 percent.

There's a reason this season is called "Fall." Besides tumbling temperatures, it's that time of year when beautiful fall foliage assembles into a rotted rooftop mess, clogging gutters from coast to coast.

Whether you clean your gutters yourself, or invest in one of the many types of gutter guards, one thing is certain: cleaning your gutters is a good idea. Besides allowing water to overflow in a heavy rain, there are a dozen or more severe home defects that can be caused by blocked gutters, including flooded basements and cracked foundations.

Do-it-yourself gutter cleaning is simple enough, but it can be a dangerous job for the untrained weekend warrior. In the alternative, there are many types of gutter guard systems on the market to choose from, and all of them offer some sort of protection for your gutter.

Every day, WalletPop will be bringing you information about a fantastic freebie. Like what you see? Check back tomorrow for more!

Home improvement superstore Lowes is offering free subscriptions to its magazine Creative Ideas, along with memberships in Lowe's Woodworkers and Lowe's Garden Club.

Of course the magazines and newsletters have a catalog vibe to them, but it's worth checking out if you're the do it yourself type. Click here to sign up.

How many homeowners do you know who have been ripped off by a builder, carpenter, or other contractor? I bet just about all of them will say they fell victim to a contractor at one point: either not receiving any services for their money, or getting a shoddy work product.

Over the last year, I experienced contractor drama of my own. A friend referred me to a very talented carpenter. I had seen some of his work and was very impressed. Except the carpenter had some business problems. He had several court judgments outstanding and had a history of finishing projects late. But my friend assured me the carpenter had turned over a new leaf and the hard times were a thing of the past.

I met with the contractor and he was eager to draw up plans for my project. I approved the plans, and he asked for half of the total cost as a downpayment so he could purchase materials and begin the project. That was almost a year ago, and he never purchased materials and never started the project.

The Daily Deal for December 31, 2007

Given that it's New Year's resolution time (and in my family, a wholesale reorganization of our entire existence), the honey-do lists in most homes are a mile long. We've decided we want to eat more local food, so my husband's list includes not only put up shelves; organize laundry room; renovate master bedroom; and fix fence but also build chicken coop. Yeah, it's not easy being the "honey" here in my house.

But it would be so much easier with a laser level. A Bushnell pivot-point laser level, of course. And how about a screaming two-day deal at Wire4Less? It's only $8.99, with $4.99 shipping, compared to a $32.68 list price and $26.79 at Amazon.com.

The deal is good through January 2 at 10 a.m. MST.