BEST AND WORST REMODELING BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Consumer ratings service Angie's List talked to real estate agents and home remodelers nationwide to get a list of the best and worst when it comes to home improvements that boost your home's value.

"Almost any investment that improves your home will bring you immediate satisfaction and an increase in home value when you eventually sell," said Angie's List founder Angie Hicks. "But some projects offer more financial return than others. If you're improving with an eye toward getting most of your money back, you'll want to curb your enthusiasm for dramatic or highly unusual additions in favor of things that have more universal appeal."

5 Remodeling Projects with the HIGHEST return on investment

The kitchen • Whether it's a major overhaul or a simple makeover, putting a fresh face on your kitchen is your best investment. A major update could cost more than $20,000, but you can expect at least an 85 percent return.

The bath • An outdated bathroom can quickly spoil a sale, and it won't be a pleasant space for you, either. Current trends of large showers instead of space-hogging garden tubs may serve you well, as will attention to classic features rather than unusual color schemes. A major update could cost less than $20,000 but yield an 84 percent return.

Decks • A new deck can cost a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on size and materials used. Before you build, look at other homes in your area and build accordingly. If the deck is in good shape, your return could be more than 80 percent.

Siding • If your home's façade is siding and it's not in good shape, replacing or repairing the siding can bring instant freshness. You'll likely spend at least $10,000, but you should get at least 80 percent back.

Window replacement • The energy efficiency of new windows is a clear benefit to switching out older windows, but in some cases, it's a safety feature, too. Costs depend on the number of windows you're replacing, of course, and the type. Expect a return on your investment of at least 80 percent.

5 Remodeling Projects with the LOWEST return on investment

Pool • Unless your home is the only home on the block without a swimming pool, you'll rarely get back even half of the money you pay to build one, and you can scare prospective buyers off because many don't want the responsibility or liability of a pool. In-ground pools are expensive and can range from less than $20,000 to more than $60,000, depending on how expansive your design and materials.

Home office remodel • If you work at home, you'll want a pleasant home office, but don't get too carried away with it. Remodeling could set you back more than $20,000, and you'll be lucky to get half that money back. It's better to have a room that can clearly be used as a bedroom, playroom or other space without a lot of redecorating. Expect a return of 57 percent.

Sun room or four season room addition • These rooms can set you back more than $50,000, and they're often beautiful bonus rooms. If you'll enjoy the room and use it, it's worth the investment. The return on investment is generally less than 60 percent, though.

Master suite • Who doesn't want an expansive private retreat even within their own home? Master suites are expensive, though — some can run into six figures — and the return is generally in the 60 percent range.

The garage • Adding that third bay to your garage may make sense when your kids start driving, but it can be expensive — especially if it's attached to your house. You may get as much as 60 percent of your investment back, but you may scare off buyers who don't anticipate needing that much garage space.

Splurge-worthy

First introduced in 1997, the Chilewich RayTray is back. Covering each frame is a stretch netting fabric, typically used in lingerie. The mesh material is breathable, removable and machine-washable, making the RayTray perfect for storing fruits and vegetables. The three-tiered stainless steel RayTray comes in green, off-white and black/smoke.

To buy • $125 at chilewich.com.

High-Low

High • OXO Good Grips cell phone plug-in charging shelf ($14.99) at oxo.com.

Low • Cell phone charging shelf by Get Organized ($4.95) at Amazon.com.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Dollar General is celebrating back to school by offering a 20 percent off coupon for teachers. With this coupon, teachers can save 20 percent on: all plastic totes, Clorox disinfecting wipes, pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, crayons, tape, glue and much more. To print your coupon, visit http://www.dollargeneral.com/BackToSchool/Pages/TeacherCoupon.aspx. Coupon expires Sunday. Teachers must show a school ID for discount.

To find a great deal every day, visit our Steals & Deals blog at stltoday.com/steals.

SHOPSITE

Renttherunway.com

If the thought of wearing a super high-end designer gown is appealing, but the price of buying one is not, you just may want to check out renttherunway.com.

The site has about 10,000 dresses available — rents start at about $50 — and 600 different accessory pieces.

It features designers such as Helmut Lang, Badgley Mischka, Tracy Reese and Calvin Klein. By next week, it's planning to add See by Chloe. And if you're unsure of your size, you can order a backup size for free.

Rents end up being about 10 percent of the item's retail cost. So, a darling black and white Proenza Schouler party dress that retails for $2,250 will cost you $250 for four days. Rent is $400 if you want it for eight days.

Up and running since November, the site was founded by two Harvard Business School students.

Guys rent tuxes all the time; renting dresses is genius.

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services