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LOCAL REMODELING ASSOCIATION REPORTS ACTIVITY RESULTS FOR FIRST HALF OF 2009
August 13, 2009

MILWAUKEE – Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc. (RSPR), a full service public relations and marketing agency, reports that a recently completed survey conducted for the Milwaukee/NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Home Improvement Council, Inc. shows that even though the majority of the respondents saw a decrease in sales for the first six months of 2009, interest in home remodeling remains high.

Of the 95 Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc. members that responded to RSPR’s “Industry Activity Questionnaire,” 86 percent were remodeling contractors, while 14 percent were either wholesalers/suppliers or manufacturers.  The objective of the questionnaire, which RSPR distributed in June 2009, and tabulated in early August 2009, was to measure home improvement and remodeling trends and ascertain changes, if any, being experienced by Milwaukee/NARI members within the industry.  Survey highlights include the following:

•    In 2009, 17 percent of the respondents experienced an increase in sales in the first half of the year  when compared to the same period in 2008, while 12 percent said sales were flat when compared to the first six months of 2008.

•    26 percent of the respondents said there was an increase in the average project cost completed for homeowners in 2009 when compared to 2008, while 41 percent said the project cost remained the same.

•    63 percent of the respondents said the average project cost completed in the first half of 2009 was between $1,000 - $15,000.

•    Contractors continue to generate business in a variety of ways, with referrals (57 percent) and past customers (48 percent) given most often as the reasons that contracts are signed.

•    Of those that had a decrease in sales in the first half of 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007, 90 percent said economic conditions were the primary cause.
In its research, RSPR learned that Milwaukee/NARI members are seeing a several trends in the industry, including...
•    use of “energy-efficient” products and materials, such as windows, HVAC, siding, and insulation, especially as they relate to the $1,500 tax stimulus credit.

•    use of “green” remodeling products, including geo-thermal.

•    countertop and cabinet replacement are the major components of kitchen and bathroom projects.

•    renovating basements into lower level living spaces, such as home offices, entertainment areas, and bedrooms.
According to Tom Weiher, CR, CKBR, Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council president, “While the economic downturn has certainly affected our industry, Milwaukee/NARI members continue to provide area homeowners with the products and services they need to enhance their living space, especially using products to reduce energy costs that also qualify for the energy tax credits.”

“It appears that the conservative attitude found by those that live in the Midwest is helping area Remodelers weather the storm,” Weiher said.  “People are choosing to stay in their homes rather than build new or move, so maintenance/repair projects and smaller improvements are becoming more commonplace.  Milwaukee/NARI members are focused on working with area homeowners to complete a home improvement project efficiently and cost-effectively.”

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July, 1961 as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the largest in the nation.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in the remodeling industry have led to the growth of the remodeling industry nationwide and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.

Ron Sonntag Public Relations specializes in assisting small to midsized companies with their overall marketing and public relations' needs, including publicity campaigns, media exposure, new product introductions and product publicity, marketing plans, Web site development and Internet marketing, direct mail, newsletters, brochures, videotapes, advertising, trade shows, specialty items, and overall marketing guidance.