Signs suggest an uptick in interest for remodeling projects

By Long Hwa-shu For Sun-Times Media January 19, 2014 4:00PM

Eight-month-old Ethan is entertained by his dad Eric while his mother Jillian (back) visits a vendor at the annual Home Building & Remodeling Expo at the Lake County Fairgrounds. | TINA JOHANSSON/FOR SUN-TIMES MEDIA

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Updated: January 20, 2014 2:26AM

Exhibitors voiced a cacophony of optimism for a better year because of the improving economy at the two-day Home Building & Remodeling Expo at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake which ended Sunday.

They based their upbeat outlook on the number of what they called serious inquiries, leads and appointments they received. The show, in its sixth year and the largest ever, attracted more than 250 exhibitors in the construction industry, from air-conditioning and heating to solar energy and from windows and sidings to bathroom and kitchen remodeling.

The economy has been down too long and people have deferred their home improvement, said Dave Hammerl, president of Stonecrafters in Lakemoor which makes, among other stone products, counter tops.

Now that the economy is recovering, the next 3-5 years will be tremendous as homeowners start to loosen up, he added.

Theres a lot of interest in remodeling, echoed Bill Shadwell, area sales manager based in Gurnee for Sears Improvement Center, pointing out that more than 10 would-be customers had signed up for appointments on the first day of the show Saturday.

Bill Porter of ReNu Home Remodeler in Libertyville noted that foreclosure is down and construction is up for new homes.

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Signs suggest an uptick in interest for remodeling projects