For John and Dana Pudenz, even with a sluggish economy, now seemed like a great time to remodel the dated kitchen in their 40-year-old home.
And it seems in the Hall County area, the Pudenz family isn't the only household thinking about plunking down money for a renovation - even amid an economic slump.
With prices for materials at an all-time low - and labor costs running pretty cheap, too - it seems many homeowners are finding remodeling projects are suddenly within their budget.
Not to mention that while home sales have started to inch up, many families aren't planning on moving anytime soon. So, they figure, they might as well enjoy the home they're in.
"I think it is mostly because people are nesting and they can't get rid of their homes or move up into something bigger so they are working with what they have," said Chris Lund of Chris Lund Painting and Fine Carpentry in Gainesville, who did the work on the Pudenz' home.
Dana Pudenz said the couple, who has lived in their North Hall home for seven years, considered moving but decided they would be better off updating their home and staying put.
"We've looked at moving before but I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be able to sell our house on the lake right now," she said. "And so keeping that money in the house makes a lot of sense."
The Pudenzes added new custom cabinets, sinks, granite counter tops, a backsplash and updated the room's painting, along with all new appliances.
When they first moved in, Pudenz said the kitchen wasn't too bad, and so they decided to hold off on a large project. Instead, they opted for a faux finish on the cabinets for a quick pick-me-up.
But after seven years, the wear and tear was noticeable.
"They started to chip and look shabby and the counter tops where white Corian and they had super glue and Sharpie marker - you name it - on the top. So we decided to bite the bullet and remodel right now," she said. "It was just a good time to keep the value of our home."
Lund said he's heard similar stories from other customers; the downturn in the economy really hasn't affected his painting and carpentry business.
"Right now I've never had this much work come my way, and I'm actually backed up through the rest of the year," he said.
Elmer Hopper, owner of Elmer Hopper Homes, said if folks are interested in putting an addition onto their home or installing new windows, now is the time.
His company is busy building a home in Oakwood and completing a covered porch in Château Elan, along with other small projects.
"Lumber prices are as low as they've been in many years," Hopper said. "Labor prices have leveled out and even gone down some in certain cases and lumber prices are down from what they used to be, to say the least. So, if you can afford to do a project, now is the best time I've seen in a long time."