Celebrating New Years Day without making resolutions is like ringing in New Years Eve without singing Auld Lang Syne. There's just something about a brand new year that stimulates people into thinking about reinventing themselves. Those old perennial promises that we make to ourselves each January to lose weight, quit smoking and exercise more are all excellent ideas for personal self-improvement. But have you ever given any thought to home improvement resolutions?

If you've been too preoccupied deciding which gym to join this new year, here's a handy-dandy guide list in no special order, to twenty projects guaranteed to boost your home's self esteem and secure it's value in the process. Now don't start hyperventilating wondering how you'll be able to accomplish all these tasks, much less pay for them. The idea is to do a thorough inventory of the structure in which you live. If you can't be completely objective, ask a friend, neighbor, real estate agent or hire a home inspector to check out the place. If you're thinking about selling your home in 1994, you'll probably need to spruce things up a bit anyway. If you plan to stay put until Clinton's health insurance bill is reality, you'll be there for a while. Your personal residence should be a comfortable, safe, clean, attractive and happy haven for you and your family. Here's how you can make it that way: Some improvements cost a bit, others are remarkably inexpensive. You don't have to complete all twenty. Even if you accomplish just one of these suggestions, you will be making your home a better place in which to live.

1. PAINT THE WALLS. Even in the most spotless homes, walls get dingy after a few years. Perk up your home's interior with a fresh coat of paint, either in the same color or be daring and splash on a bold new shade. While you're at it, maybe the outside could use some brightening up.
2. REPLACE ALL THE AIR CONDITIONING FILTERS.
3. PUT NEW BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE ALARMS. INSTALL A COUPLE ADDITIONAL ALARMS IN YOUR HOME AND GARAGE.
4. REMOVE MILDEW FROM ANYWHERE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE YOUR HOME. In Florida, ugly mildew creeps in and spreads quickly. In bathrooms, near window and door frames, inside closets, on walls, by the pool, on the deck. Take the time to get rid of all of it now. Bleach does the trick almost every time.
5. SHAMPOO THE CARPETS THRUOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE. Is it time to invest in new carpeting? Perhaps a hardwood floor or tile might provide more durable floor covering.
6. CLEAN THE FANS IN EVERY ROOM. You won't believe the dust ceiling fans collect. Got a room that needs a fan? Buy one and install it now.
7. REVIEW YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE. Make sure you are not under or overinsured.
8. VIDEOTAPE ALL YOUR BELONGINGS FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES. This takes some time. Get the whole family involved. It will be well worth it, should disaster strike.
9. PLANT A NEW SHADE TREE IN YOUR YARD. If you can afford it, how about one new tree for each member of the family? Name your trees and tend to them with love.
10. INSTALL A SPRINKLER SYSTEM. If you already have one, check on the heads and make any necessary repairs.
11. PUT IN A POOL. Yes, this is a costly improvement. But if you've always wanted a pool and have the finances to fund it....go ahead and indulge yourself. In tropical areas like Florida, a swimming pool and lanai extend the entertainment area of your home and bring much personal enjoyment.
12. REPLACE THE ROOF. This is one dinosaur of an expensive headache. Yet if the roof leaks and is in poor condition, you'll have to replace it sooner or later. Might as well do it now. Thinking of selling? Get a new roof before you list the house.
13. REDO THE DRIVEWAY. Do you have a gravel or dirt drive? Is your asphalt all torn up? Is your concrete drive greasy and rust covered? It's amazing what a refreshing face-lift, a brand new driveway can give to your home's overall appearance. Perhaps you just need a resurfacing or decorative coating. Check out the latest in designer driveways like imprinted concrete or interlocking pavers.
14. HAVE YOUR HOUSE INSPECTED FOR TERMITES. If you're selling, a bank will require this anyway. If your staying put, you don't want uninvited insects chomping down your walls.
15. REPAIR ANYTHING THAT LEAKS.
16. REPLACE OR REPAIR TORN SCREENS.
17. CLEAN OUT THE GARAGE. Get rid of everything you haven't used in the last year and dispose of everything that's permanently broken or doesn't work, including your teenagers.
18. THROW OUT ALL DEAD PLANTS. Sad, drooping, dead plants are a sorry sight. Bite the bullet and toss them out. Buy new ones to replace them.
19. SPRUCE UP THE MAILBOX. Has your roadside mailbox been pummeled by drive-by thugs once too often? Buy a new one and build a concrete protector around it. Put your house numbers on your box. It helps the mailman and visitors find you easier.
20. CLEAN ALL THE WINDOWS AND THROW A PARTY. Invite people you know from all different occupations and backgrounds to a friendly Sunday afternoon brunch. It's fun, not too expensive and guests won't stay late. And you'll bask in all their compliments on your home's sparkling new appearance. Who knows...somebody may even want to buy the place.