Springfield Area Remodelers Share Optimism at Expo

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Construction companies and contractors are gathering in Springfield this weekend to convince people to gut kitchens and bathrooms.

The Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield is putting on its remodeling expo. The association told KOLR10 Friday there is more interest in the show this year than in the past.

Although the construction industry has not climbed back to where it was in the past, it's adding jobs again because people are more confident they can invest in new projects.

When times get lean like they did during the recession, homeowners in the Ozarks have to trim the fat.

Scott Bracy of Steward Construction is someone customers can call when they want a kitchen or bathroom makeover. Bracy said during the recession, remodeling was popular because people were staying in their homes. However, the scope of the projects was limited.

"During the recession there were lots of small remodels where now we're seeing lots of larger projects, just more money being spent by the consumer," Bracy said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, sales at building and garden supply stores increased by nearly 7 percent from August 2013 to August 2014.

Charylce Ruth, the president of the homebuilders association, says these kinds of signs have brought businesses back out to shows.

Back in the heyday of course we were sold out and then everything got a little tighter and unfortunately some people went out of business, Ruth said. We're seeing people come back in the industry. Theyre more excited to be at a trade show. They have those advertising dollars."

Bracy said this year in particular has been a good one, helping him put more people to work.

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Springfield Area Remodelers Share Optimism at Expo