May is National Home Remodeling Month and the 130 local chapters of the NAHB Remodelors Council are joining in the promotion. This year's consumer awareness campaign will include a media blitz and public service announcements.

As part of the awareness campaign, our Remodelors Council has answered some the most frequently asked questions.

Q: What are the most popular remodeling projects?

A: Kitchens and baths are, and will always be, No.1 and 2. They are the rooms which are used most often, receive the most scrutiny from potential buyers and become obsolete the fastest. In a distant third place is decks and patios, followed by bathroom additions (as opposed to bathroom remodels) and family room and living room additions.

Q: Are people remodeling so they don't have to move?

A: According to a survey of remodelers, 53 percent of the respondents cited "remodeled instead of purchasing a new home" as a major reason their clients remodeled. This was second only to "needed more space" which was listed by 62 percent of those surveyed. A three-way tie for third place, all with 44 percent from included "wanted more amenities", "lifestyle considerations" and "needed maintenance and repair."

Q: What are the trends in remodeling?

A: Fifty-five percent of those polled cited "great room" (a combination kitchen/dining family room arrangement). Second place was home offices (41 percent), followed by home security systems (40 percent), energy management systems (23 percent), exercise room (21 percent) and lighting control systems (20 percent). All of these reflect the trends seen in new homes and they all relate to lifestyle and priority changes. People are adapting their homes to fit their lifestyles, not the other way around.

Q: How big a business is remodeling?

A: In 1994, Americans spent about $114 billion on residential remodeling, up from $109.6 billion in 1993. That figure was to $123 billion in 1995 and should be more than $175 billion annually by the end of the decade.

Q: Why is the remodeling outlook so bright? Is the economy improving?

A: A strong economy is certainly good for remodeling, but remodeling's optimistic future can be attributed to several factors working together. First is that the average American home is 29 years old, and more than 80 percent are more than 16 years old. If the average car was 29 years old, most would need considerable repair and maintenance, and may would need an extensive overhaul to keep up with contemporary styles and amenities. The same is true with houses.

Another positive sign for the remodeling marker is the "Yuppie" factor. The Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 through 1964) are not only the segment of the population most likely to remodel, but they also are the largest segment of the American population and the segment which is in the peak of their earning years.

Q: Where can I find a qualified remodeler?

A: One of the easiest ways to contact the Home builders Association of West Florida Inc. at 476-0318. We will give you a list of our remodeler members. With any remodeler you're considering, there are certain things to check such as references, workers' compensation, liability insurance and licensing or registration.