The changes in the economy have brought a new attitude and many people are choosing to stay put instead of moving, according to Sarah Susanka, FAIA, author of “Not So Big Remodeling” and “The Not So Big House.”

“A lot of people are pre-disposed to stay in their home. People are reassessing what’s important,” said Susanka. “This year, everyone is talking about smaller plans — to remodel in an energy-efficient and compact way. Sustainability and beauty in design go hand-in-hand. The home of your dreams may well be the home you are living in now. That’s a positive message.”

Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, president of ABD Design Build in Fort Collins, Colo., said his customers are “nesting” and looking for safety and security in their homes.

“There’s a big demand for repairs and maintenance. People are settling in to live in their homes for a long time,” he said.

Due to a lack of financing and a greater emphasis on living within your means, Peterson said his firm is seeing more cash jobs and smaller projects.

“Our revenue was down 30% in 2009 but the number of projects was up 30%,” he said. “We’ve gotten more efficient as a company. We’re looking at ways to remodel within the confines of  the existing home and find areas that are not used or underutilized to provide projects that fit customers who are on a tight budget.”

Though he said that green building “is here to stay,” Peterson acknowledged his company is not seeing many green jobs at this time, because people have tightened their belts.

In this current economic climate, some home owners are planning and doing remodeling in stages to save money because loans are difficult to come by, said Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP,  president and chief executive officer of Shirey Contracting in Issaquah, Wash.

“Clients are skittish. There’s a lot of hand-holding,” she said.

A green builder since 1987, Shirey said her company is diversifying and now provides energy audits as part of its remodeling services.

The company recently created a 1,600-square-foot, zero-energy showcase home that features photovoltaics, a green roof and solar panels.

“We believe small is beautiful. Sarah Susanka has been an inspiration for us,” said Shirey.

For information on remodeling resources available from NAHB, visit www.nahb.org/remodel; or e-mail Kelly Mack, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8451. [return to top]