The Free
Lance-Star
Home improvement doing well HOME SHOW THRIVES2008 Home & Garden expo vendors say business is boomingDate published: 3/31/2008 Many people are investing in home upgrades even as the economy slumps, vendors at the Fredericksburg Home and Garden Show said this weekend. More than 200 businesses showcasing everything from new homes to landscaping techniques to cookware were on hand at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. According to some of these home improvement professionals, the lagging economy isn't dragging down sales. Shelley Meadows, a landscape designer with Meadows Farms in Chantilly, said while the nursery was more lively in past years, this year is still busy. Meadows said people trying to sell houses are looking to get an edge by dressing up properties for more "curb appeal." Adding a deck, patio space or landscaping are all popular. Those who are staying put are trying to make their homes more enjoyable. "A lot of people are adding to what they have to make what they want," Meadows said. Andrew Gumpert of Tortuga Pool Construction in Spotsylvania County said he has concerns about the upcoming year, but orders for pool installations have picked up. Gumpert believes people may avoid traveling--which in turn, might help profits. "Rather than sell, I think they're remodeling and they'll stay home for the summer," he said. The demand for certain services seems to vary. Craig Hartsock is a custom-home contractor and co-owns Cherry Hill Cabinetry and Millwork in Fredericksburg with his wife. "The high-end custom market hasn't changed much," Hartsock said. "They're not caught up in the trade-up cycle that's totally dried up." For the Hartsocks, the lack of new homes is a problem. "When the houses aren't being built, it's tough to put in the cabinetry." Elias Moussa, a general manager with Michael and Son Services in Alexandria said "customers are spending the money" on installing environmentally friendly products like automated light switches. Moussa said the demand for bigger building renovation projects has slowed down. In the 1980s, tile contractor Kelly George said she focused on new construction and commercial properties rather than residential work. George, who owns Kelly's Top Notch Tile in Manassas, has learned to "have more eggs in more baskets" since that time. "What's helping us is the specialized work we do," George said. Trends in her field include sprucing up bathroom spaces with niches, seating, glass and natural stone. "People can't afford to sell homes, they can't afford to buy new homes, if they're going to stay they want to upgrade. We'll give them the bathroom of their dreams. " One interior designer from Woodbridge said business is
looking up--but she wasn't crediting sky lights or the economy for her
prosperity. Doris Ofori with Abundant Living Interiors referenced a
biblical passage in which God promises to satisfy people during droughts. "This is my best year ever, it's been the best first quarter I've had," Ofori said. "I'm not affected by the economy, my source is directly from God." Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
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