Lately I have been reading more and more in the news about an upturn in starts and building activity. It's nice to see something positive, especially in an industry that's been hit pretty hard this past year and half. According to a recent statement by Eric Belsky, Managing Director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, we should see a healthy rise in home improvement activity this fall and into 2011.

In addition to this statement, recent studies have shown that this increase in work is not simple window replacement and baseline energy retrofits, but broader remodels and upgrades. This is great news for the trades as it provides a wider base for jobs to spring up from. Some industry insiders have attributed this movement to favorable construction prices and low mortgage rates. However it's currently happening, we need more of it! With more people staying in their current neighborhoods, it's easier for them to upgrade their current living situation.

I believe that people are starting to feel more secure job-wise and with that are loosening up the pocketbooks a bit. By springing for energy efficiency measures now they understand that they will continually reap the benefits over time. I am interested to see the take the USGBC will go at Greenbuild this year, and know that they will be touching on many current aspects of the industry.

What do you think? Are you finding more work in your local area?