WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) — The 61st annual NARI Spring Home Improvement Show takes place this weekend at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. Homeowners, or those who want to one day become a homeowner, will have the opportunity to meet businesses and contractors.
Since the pandemic, people have continued to spend more time at home. That means they’re splurging on entertainment spaces and other upgrades.
“During the past two years we’ve noticed that a lot of people have shifted their focus,” said Elias McDonald, the owner of Excel Custom Contractor.
“They took a look at what they had, they started throwing stuff out, they started donating it and basically reorganizing their house,” said Kevin Hunt, the owner of Tailored Closets.
It led to a boom in the homebuilding and remodeling industry. So, if you’re looking to get work done in your home, businesses say you should reach out sooner.
“Over the past few years, it’s just becoming further and further. So, instead of three months, it’s six months; instead of six months, it’s nine months, depending on the type of contractor you’re looking for,” said McDonald.
And this spring might be the perfect time to start that project you’ve been putting off as the price of lumber drops.
“It’s back down to a lower price than it’s been in I think probably close to two years now,” said McDonald. “We’re seeing that going back down, but who knows where it’s going to go next.”
That price drop is despite the consumer price index going up more than 6% in the last 12 months.
The longer wait for work is something homeowners have been dealing with for months now, and contractors say people are adjusting to changes in the industry.
“People are getting used to being patient, especially with supply chains,” said Hunt.
The NARI Home Improvement Show opens Friday at 10 am and runs through Sunday.
You can purchase tickets for $10 ahead of time or $12 at the door.