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REMODELER SURVEY SERIES Dean Herriges, MCR, CKBR NARI VIEW FROM THE FRONT A remodeling contractor with a family business, Urban Herriges & Sons Inc. of Mukwonago,Wis.,andpresidentoftheDes Plaines, Ill.-based National Association of the RemodelingIndustry,DeanHerriges,MCR, CKBR, sees encouraging progress in the remodeling industry. "I predict the last half of 2013 is going to be a very, very busy time for remodelers. I've been doing this for 47 years, and all I've read and seen [supports that feeling]," he says. "Everything across the country seems to be in the same mode — things are positive. There are still regional pockets that are not feeling the effects of the turned economy, but the economy has turned. It has changed. On the whole, the market looks healthy," he says. "IntheMilwaukeemetroarea,weareas busy as can be expected for a Northern climate inDecember.Beforeamajorholiday,we're racing around trying to get our assignments done so we can present them to our potential clients," he adds on a more personal note. "All the indicators are that we are going to see continued success in the remodeling industry. It certainly does not parallel the [new] housing industry, but it never has. This downturn has been remarkable for remodelers because we never went into the depth of the downturn as the new housing market did," Herriges says. At the association level, Herriges has noted a membership increase resulting from home builders who have entered the remodeling industry. He's also found suppliers to be incredibly receptive to the remodeling industry under current conditions. Some of them were "absolutely right on top of this with the idea that they needed to be working with remodelers," he relates. Herriges reports an increased interest in room additions, adding square feet, that substantially had died out during the worst of the downturn. "There were few if any additions because property values had decreased substantially. For a homeowner, it didn't make sense to add more square footage to try to increase his real estate value because he'd already lost a considerable amount," he says. "People do need more living space, and additions have again become a focus — not quite the focus it was back in 2006 and 2007, but we're digging holes and increasing the square footage of homes. That's something I'm very happy to see; people are not afraid to spend the dollars to do this. They realize if they want something, it's going to cost X dollars, and they are feeling more comfortable with the economy and the direction that we seem to be going in to be able to take that chance," Herriges says. The downturn built up a huge backlog of maintenance projects that need to be done, Herriges observes. "Now people are realizing it's not the end of the world; they can put in a new furnace; they can put that roof on their house; they can change those windows; and they're going to survive," he comments. Remodeling Upgrades for Less Tackle that remodeling project with Trim-Tex vinyl corner bead for FREE! Call now and receive one FREE box of Trim-Tex corner bead. Mix and match multiple shapes and combinations. Create millwork quality details that will save you time and money. Use drywall and Trim-Tex vinyl corner beads to create; crown moldings, wainscoting, tray ceilings, and so much more. With over 200 shapes, the possibilities are endless. Looking for remodeling ideas? Scan to download the Trim-Tex iPad App Call now and mention this ad to receive one FREE box of corner bead. Request multiple shapes and combinations, limited to 12 pieces of 8′ corner bead. Limit one per household. Toll free: 1-800-874-2333 For more information circle 41 www.trim-tex.com