Economic Outlook

  • Small Is Where It's At

    Amidst signs of an economic uptick, the Cost vs. Value Report still indicates that it will be awhile before remodelers see a boost in business. In the meantime, small projects continue to dominate.

     
  • Ending the Year With a Bang

    After a slow year, a New Hampshire remodeler expects signficant work in the fourth quarter.

     
  • Vital Stats: The Federal Weatherization Assistance Program

    Some vital statistics about the money behind and need for contractors to do federal Weatherization Assistance Program work.

     
  • Banding Together

    Local group of housing professionals markets the services of member companies.

     
  • About the 2009–10 Cost vs. Value Report

    Falling home prices pushed the value of remodeling investments down for the fourth consecutive year, but small-scale projects and replacements may be leading the way to recovery.

     
  • Mortgage Mess

    If the neighbors are underwater, how to keep your clients high and dry.

     
  • Cost vs. Value: For Appraisals, Don't Bet on Bling

    New appraisal laws and decreased home values are diminishing the appraised value of many home improvements and the perceived return on investment of higher-end improvements in particular.

     
  • Project Costs Hold Steady

    In a tough economy with consumers putting projects on hold or downsizing project scope, remodelers are having to rework all aspects of their business to keep projects competitively priced.

     
  • Upscale in a Dowturn

    Remodelers must work harder and smarter to capture the discretionary spending dollars of high-end clients in a down economy.

     
  • When It Comes to Home Improvement, Curb Appeal Is King

    Eight of the top 10 Cost vs. Value projects in 2009-10 involve the outside of the home. Here’s why.