I just ordered new drapes for my living room to replace the ones that were there when we bought the house 20 years ago. That makes me part of a growing number of baby boomers who remodel their homes once children are off to college and on their own.

According to EMILY VAN CLEVE of the Albuquerque Journal, boomers have the taste and money and realize the power of their home as their primary investment.

With kids out of the house, it's a great time to customize a living space in ways that weren't practical or affordable when children were young. Popular remodels include sunrooms, complete kitchen makeovers, master suites and wine cellars.

Remodeling projects that make a difference in resale value don’t necessarily reflect a lot of additional square footage. How the space is arranged and if it is the kind of space that they will really use is what matters.

With retirement coming up, or with aging parents at their homes, boomers are adding sunrooms because of their value in adding light and leisure living space. Sunrooms are great spaces for hobbies, relaxed dining and spending more time in an outdoor environment. They are also low maintenance spaces, an important consideration.

Boomers who have finished raising their families may want to spend more time traveling, so a home's key selling points could be its cozy size and inexpensive, easy-to-maintain yard and garden area. Although a smaller size home may be desired, Harris says the quality of the fixtures, appliances, floors and cabinets do matter. "It's about quality of life and being able to use the space they have well."