Remodelers may have a deal for you.

They can remodel your basement, update your kitchen or modernize your master bath -- charging prices as low as those five years ago.

And many contractors can start work in a few days.

Fewer homes are being built, freeing contractors for renovation work that they might normally have turned down. The construction slowdown also means lower lumber and drywall prices, making remodeling more attractive to consumers.

"Customers are getting quicker service and five-years-ago prices today," said Kent Therkelsen, owner of Omaha's KRT Construction.

The number of new homes being built in Omaha has dropped about 25 percent since 2005, according to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Over the same period, the price of lumber has dipped nearly 20 percent at Millard Lumber. Drywall prices have dropped roughly 25 percent, too, according to Harter Co., an Omaha distributor.