Building suppliers hope spring means green

Fri, Mar 14, 2008

By LINDSEY ADKISON

The Brunswick News

A nationwide slump in construction that has spread to the Golden Isles is taking a toll on suppliers, Hubert Lang, co-owner of Lang Building Supply in Brunswick, says.

"Last year, we were still in the midst of a building boom," Lang said. "A lot of sections of the country were experiencing a downturn, but we didn't notice until the middle of last year.

"The year wore on and in fall and early winter the downturn was noticeable. We really saw it in January. That was the first real big dip in sales."

That could soon change if spring and all its warmth and greenness does what it normally does: bring a little green to businesses like Lang's that sell lumber and other home-improvement supplies.

Historically, spring marks a high point for the industry. With families receiving tax refunds and the climate remaining mild, home repairs and remodeling often top weekend to-do lists.

Some in the industry are predicting 2008 will follow this tradition.

According to the 2008 Kitchen and Bath Industry Outlook, published by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, remodeling continues to be a source of strength within the industry. Other home additions and repairs also increase.

There may be even more this year if people opt to upgrade the homes they have instead of entering an uncertain real estate market. That usually calls for a building project or two.

"A lot of people do add-ons to their houses," said Robert Morris, manager of HD Supply in Brunswick.

Morris has been in the business for 15 years. He says his store, which is under the management of Home Depot, sees a noticeable spike annually in the sale of items related to repairs and remodeling in the spring.

"They add on a master bath or bedroom," he said. "Many have growing families, so they have to extend the house."

The beginning of Daylight Saving Time in March gives residents more time to spend in the yard at the end of the work day, too. There's also that tax refund that's just around the corner.

"There are tons of repairs that go on," Morris said. "It definitely picks up during the spring.

Morris said spring sales for him have typically increased by 25 percent.

* First-time home buyers face challenges in market, 12A

Print Story

Email to Friend