Another reason I love this show is that I love remodeling -- the whole idea of taking an existing home that probably functioned okay for previous owners and customizing it for new occupants. I've lived in eight houses in the last 30 years, and no matter what the virtues of each one, I always made big plans for changing it.

My favorite remodeling projects are kitchens and bathrooms. I'm not alone there; those are by far the most frequently remodeled rooms. With older homes, it's fun to upgrade and update without detracting from the personality of the house; with newer ones, I'm relentless in finding and (ideally) fixing any shortcuts or sub-par products used by production builders. (You know who you are!)

I'm now planning yet another kitchen remodel. We got a good deal on our present house three years ago because very little remodeling had been done since it was built (by a production builder) in the mid-'90s. I'm going to bring it up to the level of most other homes in the neighborhood, which have already been upgraded, by adding quartz countertops; reconfiguring the kitchen floor plan; installing more -- and more functional -- cabinetry; replacing the faucet; enlarging the island; and moving the refrigerator to improve traffic flow in the work area.

Sure, I'm nervous about sinking a lot of money into my house when housing values are dropping. But I expect to live there for years to come, and by the time I sell it, the market will have recovered enough that the traditional ROI for kitchen remodeling will cover most of the cost. And in the meantime, I get to enjoy a kitchen built just for me (well, almost) -- and get the same sense of satisfaction I enjoyed after I remodeled my last kitchen. (Boy, do I ever miss it!)

While I would love to build my dream house someday, for now I'm looking forward to another dream remodel. (If that sounds like an oxymoron, let me tell you that I have discovered the secret to relatively painless remodeling: Get a really, really great contractor!) My husband and I will continue to add less expensive features to the house, too: crown molding that's actually in proportion to the height of the ceilings; a railing around our oversized front stoop to create an actual porch; new bathroom vanities, faucets and counters; and built-in cabinets in the bonus room and family room. (Adding storage is always a good idea!)

As a builder or remodeler, what is your take on getting the biggest bang for the buck in kitchens and bathrooms? What's the one "Wow!" feature you always include? Which ones get the most positive reaction from your customers? Let me know; I'm always looking for new ideas for my own house!