Key findings from the index indicate that:

Remodeling is on the rise: Fourteen percent of those currently in homes worth $200-300,000 are focusing on remodeling the home versus maintaining or repairing.  Nationally, the kitchen and bathroom – the two rooms of the house that traditionally see the most remodeling activity – rebounded in the second quarter.

Inspiration source has changed: Homeowners seek home improvement ideas and motivation from multiple sources. In ServiceMagic’s consumer sentiment survey, homeowners indicated they are increasingly dependent on the internet as a source of inspiration.  The percentage of homeowners who said they go online for home improvement ideas increased from 17% to 40% -- the largest increase.  The use of traditional media increased from 36% to 57%, advice from professionals increased from 12% to 22% and advice from friends increased from 9% to 25%

“Staycation” trend continues: Homeowners look to boost the entertainment value both inside and outside of their home to create a fresh feel. Projects include hardscaping, deck installation, home theatre and computer rooms, remodeling bathrooms, sauna installation and kitchens renovations.

Optimism growing: Eighty percent of home service professionals responding to the service professional sentiment survey say they are optimistic about their company’s performance for the rest of 2009. In similar fashion, while sixty-seven percent of homeowners prolonged or postponed a project this quarter seventy-two percent say they will reconsider the same project in 2010.