Remodeling is a wonderful way to make a tired home look like new. But not every budget or schedule allows for tackling a major project — even when it is needed.

However, there are ways to spruce up your household and to give it a fresh "new" look, without breaking the bank, by investing just a few hours on a much-needed home maintenance task such as caulking.

Caulking is that stuff that builders and contractors use to fill and seal seams where two surfaces meet, to prevent water and weather from entering and causing damage. And if your home is five to 10 years old (or more) chances are good that many of those seams are both looking shabby and probably no longer doing their job to protect your home.

While recaulking is a great way to cosmetically freshen appearances, resealing these joints is even more beneficial as a means of preventing pervasive moisture from getting into walls or under tile and floors, where nasty mold and rot can do their dirty work. Consequently, what could have amounted to the cost of a tube or two of caulking and a bit of time may end up costing you a second mortgage and some major rot repair.

So, it's off to the hardware store or home center for a trip down the caulk and adhesives aisle.

Today, selecting the right product for the job can be a confusing undertaking since there are so many different types of caulks and sealants designed for specific jobs and applications. And let's not forget the patching compounds and putty that are often located along the same aisle, which further complicate matters.

Unless you have a special repair need, you can get by with a few basic types of caulks and sealants, such as latex or silicone. Of these, while water-soluble latex caulk is perfect for interior use along baseboards; around windows, silicone caulk is even better.

It can be used both indoors or out and for almost any purpose. It bonds to almost any surface, does not become brittle with age and provides outstanding water- and weather-resistance. Silicone caulk and hybrid caulks with silicone are generally your best bet. And if you plan to paint when finished, be sure to buy a paintable silicone caulk.

Two more small products, and you're all set to give your home a total top-to-bottom tuneup. First, a mini-tube of new double-duty all-purpose adhesive and caulk that can be used for hundreds of household repairs, touch-ups and improvements, and secondly, a roll of new special tub and tile masking tape. The former will prevent you from having to buy 16 different tubes of caulk or adhesive and the latter is a new product that can make even the most inexperienced of home improvers caulk like a pro.

Then, it's time to decide what to do first. Tackle the seams around windows and doors or reseal the kitchen counter backsplash? If your home is like most, the seam separating the bathtub or shower pan from the adjoining waterproof wall cover has probably seen better days. Chances are one or two spots have sprung a leak and dark mildew may be making inroads as well, leaving nasty stains even after scrubbing and bleaching.

If such is the case, re-caulking the bathtub is a great place to begin. It's also easy.

First, remove the old caulk, which can be done in a number of ways. One technique is to trim it first, top and bottom, with a utility knife and to then scrape or pry it out. Other options include heating it first, with a hair dryer or heat gun, to soften the caulk or using a specially formulated chemical caulk softener.

Once the old caulk in removed, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting is a must. We recommend using one part liquid chlorine bleach in three parts warm water with a dash or two of powdered laundry detergent added. (Be sure the detergent is ammonia free to avoid creating dangerous fumes.) Mix thoroughly, place in a spray bottle and (wearing gloves, eye protection and with good ventilation) give seams a good scrub with an old toothbrush.

Then, rinse well and let dry completely. A hair dryer or heat gun helps remove all residual moisture. A final wipe-down with denatured alcohol is also recommended.

New tub and tile masking tape will help you to achieve a smooth, professional-looking caulk joint. There are three layers in this new tape and three easy steps.

First, cut the tape to length for each wall to be caulked. Second, peel off the top protective layer revealing a strip of yellow tape with a wider backing underneath. One edge is Z\,-inch wider, while the other side is Z\v inch. Finally, after deciding which size bead you want, you just place that side of the tape (Z\, inch or Z\v inch) both above and below the open seam, smooth it down and peel the backing away, leaving two perfectly straight, evenly spaced, "edging" guides.

Then, simply lay in a bead of caulk, smooth it out with a wet finger and peel away the tape before the caulk dries. You'll have a fresh "new-look" tub seam (with crisp, clean edges) that any pro would be proud to claim.

For more home improvement tips and information, visit the Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call our listener hot line at 800-737-2474.