Remodelers expect stronger year

Portland-area remodelers expect a stronger year as homeowners stay put and upgrade their houses rather than moving to a larger house.

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Portland-area remodelers expect a stronger year as homeowners stay put and upgrade their houses rather than moving to a larger house.

Remodel spending in the Portland area has been in a steady decline since a 2007 peak of $304 million, according to building data aggregator Construction Monitor. Last year, homeowners spent $210 million on home improvement projects. 

But as the economy turns around, remodeling contractors are taking aim at the homeowners who might have sold and moved up in the boom days. Today’s homeowners, with more confidence in their job security but less equity in their homes, are more likely to stay put.