Editor’s note: As part of Marvin Windows and Doors’ ongoing coverage of the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, we’re publishing occasional pieces on trends and topics in the building industry. Check here regularly throughout the week for other news, trends, products, interviews and photos from the floor of the year’s largest gathering in the homebuilding industry.

The end of 2009 brought many encouraging signals for the building and remodeling industries.

• Existing home sales hit their highest monthly level in almost three years
• Spending on remodeling and home improvements surged 8.7% in October
• New home inventories were cut in half between January and October
• Existing home inventories also were down sharply
• The S&P/Case-Shiller 10- and 20-city home price indexes logged four straight months of increases
• Industrial production, retail sales and GDP all posted multiple monthly increases

At Marvin, we saw strong demand for our Marvin and Integrity replacement products, assisted by the $1,500 federal energy efficiency tax credit.

While nobody doubts that there are still challenges ahead for the homebuilding industry, it’s been a great feeling in recent months to hear some positive news.

Image Credit: Concrete Forms via flickr.com

Americans are moving less frequently than ever, and that’s opening opportunities in remodeling, renovation and home improvement.

According to the Census Bureau, about 10 percent of Americans moved in 2009, the lowest number since World War II. In the postwar era, it’s been common for as many as 20 percent of Americans to relocate in a given year.

“With more consumers staying in their existing homes, they’re interested in improving their homes to make them more efficient and better suit their lifestyle,” said Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors.

This is one of several trends driving an increased share of spending on home improvement. According to the U.S. Commerce Department’s monthly construction index, spending on home improvement in 2009 increased its share by 20 percent compared to new construction spending.

Meanwhile, sales of existing homes and foreclosed homes have been strong compared to new home sales.

“And if people are buying a home, they are far more likely to replace products or upgrade products,” Susan Marvin said.

The NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index has been trending upward in recent months, with even greater increases seen in the index of future market indicators. The indicator of remodeling calls for bids jumped 20 percent from the second to third quarter of 2009, while the indicator of work committed for the next three months also increased by 20 percent.

Marvin Windows and Doors is offering resources for consumers considering a remodeling or replacement project. Download Marvin’s free, 20-page guide to remodeling that walks you through the most important considerations — from how to know when you should consider replacing windows and doors, to what to shop for, to working with a contractor on installation.

And don’t forget the $1,500 federal energy efficiency tax credit, available in 2010 for qualifying home improvement projects including energy-efficient windows and doors from Marvin.

(Photo courtesy of brockbuilders via flickr.)

We’re kicking off our ongoing coverage of the 2010 IBS with some comments from Mark Pursell, senior VP/exhibitions for the National Association of Home Builders.

This year’s IBS is geared to helping NAHB members and attendees maintain and grow their businesses in difficult times, Pursell said. And members are responding, with attendance at this year’s show expected to be on par with last year’s.

“We’re real excited about the show,” he said. “We know it’s been a tough couple of years for the industry. But we’re looking forward to the future and think we’re at bottom.

“We’ll have nearly 1,100 exhibitors with all the greatest products. We’re going to have around 175 educational seminars,” Pursell added. “And beyond that, we’ve got hundreds of networking events for every possible segment of the construction industry.”

Pursell encouraged attendees to spend some time at http://www.buildersshow.com and get familiar with the online Show Planner tool.

“You can search for meetings on any topic and print out a custom personalized schedule,” he said. “This is a big event, so it warrants spending a little time up front searching for meetings and events and doing some planning.

“Spending half an hour with the online tool will make your time in Vegas much more productive and stress-free.”

Tuesday’s 9 a.m. opening ceremony features humorist Dave Barry, and attendees at Wednesday night’s Spike Club event at the Hard Rock Hotel will be entertained by Styx.

Wednesday at the show is Green Day, with sponsors including Marvin Windows and Doors. Look for green-themed events throughout the day – and also look for NAHB staff members on the show floor in green polo shirts.

“For a lot of companies — whether they’re builders, remodelers, suppliers or service providers – right now it’s all about how to best position themselves for a recovery,” Pursell said. “So business management and survival will continue to be front and center for everybody involved in the industry, and we’re here to help.”