Miniature daffodils have sprouted in Kenneth and Nova Minick's yard, a bright-yellow reminder of spring's arrival.

As it happens, spring also is when the retired couple particularly appreciate their nine-month home improvement project.

"That's why we put all the windows back there, so we can see into the garden. Springtime - we really enjoy it," Nova Minick said.

The daffodils - and the profusion of blooms ready to pop up in the Minick's garden - also are symbols of life beginning anew. For the Minicks, that might mean a home life without the din of construction, dust and living room furniture stacked in the kitchen and master bedroom.

"Not all of remodeling is pretty. There will a little ugliness for a while - there's dust. There is life after remodeling," remodeler Dale Pfundt said.