47% rise in housing starts in metro Detroit. A sign of a stronger job market

The dark days of home building in metro Detroit appear to be ending as renewed hiring fuels demand for new homes, sparking a 47% rise in southeast Michigan housing starts for the first quarter. Yet building activity remains well below normal.

Construction began on 741 single-family homes. That compares to 505 in the same period of 2011, according to Housing Consultants of Clarkston.

At the peak of home-building activity in the 2000-05 period, an average of 5,000 homes were started per quarter.

Still, it was the most active January-March period in five years.

And experts say it could be the start of a more permanent trend upward for the area's beaten-down housing market; 22,000 more people are working in Macomb, Oakland and Washtenaw counties this year than in 2011, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

That is 10,000 to 20,000 possible more homes needed this year. I hope it continues," said Michael Stoskopf, chief executive of the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan. "I think we are seeing improvement, and part of that points to the number of people who have jobs."

A shortage of move-in ready homes for sale on the existing market has spurred some of the new home building. And the unseasonably good construction weather in March also helped boost the quarter.

Building permits in southeast Michigan rose 25% in 2011 compared with 2010, with 3,110 single-family permits issued, according to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. The permits indicate future construction.

PulteGroup, the nation's largest homebuilder, ended 2011 with a quarterly profit -- its first profit in more than a year. The Bloomfield Hills-based homebuilder said it could be a sign of better things to come this year.

National data for March show that housing starts were up in the Midwest and on the East Coast, but down in the South and flat in the West.

Economists expect this year nationally to top 2011 in home-building activity, but a return to normal isn't expected until 2015, according to IHS Global Insight.

Mirror Mirror

Looking for a way to change the look of a room in your home? Add a mirror!

Full-size floor mirrors can make a dramatic statement in a small space. Using a framed, full-size mirror placed on the floor and resting on the wall can become an incredible asset in many ways in a bedroom, living room and even at the end of a hallway.

Tight spaces expand and rooms seem roomier when you prop up a large mirror (at least three-fourths as tall as the wall). It’s a classic interior decorator’s trick to create instant square footage.

This wall-sized floor mirror defines the modern dining area in an open floor plan. Designer Andreas Charalambous of FORMA Design angles this oversized beauty against the wall to reflect natural light and the views of the adjacent garden. The home's small size is visually enhanced by the dramatic addition.

Work with the space you have and make it GREAT!

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Spring is upon us! While "spring cleaning" generally comes with an interior focus, giving some special attention to the exterior of your home after the winter months is just as important in terms of home maintenance. Here are a few items to check as we approach the warmer months.

Windows: Are any of your windows cracked? Is there any air leakage around the casing or joints? Are the screens in good repair? Do any of them need to be replaced before the upcoming mosquito and fly season.

Doors: How about the casing around your doors, too? Is there any air leakage? Is there a need to replace any glass or screen doors?

Decks and Porches: Do you have any wood decking which may need to be replaced or refinished? Are there any cracks in any paved or cemented areas which should be taken care of before they get worse?

Siding: Is there any chance that there is moisture building up behind your siding which could cause rotting or damage to your home? Take a peek yourself or hire an experienced handyman who knows how to check for you.

Water: Do you have any water seeping into your basement? Usually it's due to an exterior issue which may or may not be simple to resolve and it should be looked into immediately.

Gutters: Leaves from the Fall could be clogging up your rain gutters. If you can, get up on a ladder and clear them out. If a gutter gets clogged and fills with water it could come tumbling off your roof.

Air Conditioning Unit: Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder, increasing energy costs and possibly damaging your equipment. Air conditioners draw moisture from interior air, called condensate, which must run off outside. If sediment and algae clog the drains, water may back up, making your home more humid or creating water damage. For about $75 to $200, a technician will tune up your cooling system to manufacturer-rated efficiency -- and you won’t sweat the first hot weekend with an out-of-commission air conditioner.

Remember preventative maintenance always saves you time, money, & energy in the long run!