For the last several years, the amount or money Americans spend on home remodeling has risen to the point that it's almost as much as is spent on new home construction. Even during the years where new home construction declined, remodeling has either risen or taken only minor drops.

One reason for this is the increasing reluctance of people to take on the additional trouble and expense of a full-scale relocation, when for substantially less money they could remodel their home to adapt to their current desires and needs. Remodeling allows homeowners to tailor their home to such specifics that the only alternative coming close would be to have a brand new home custom designed and built. That alternative may be out of the realm of financial possibility for a large number of people.

The median American home is 34 years old, and homes built in 1964 were considerably smaller than they are now. One of the primary attractions of remodeling is that it can enlarge a home.

A survey called USA Remodeling Trends asked 1,900 homeowners who had recently remodeled to list their reasons for doing so. Of those responding, 50 percent listed "wanted to add more amenities," 47 percent listed "needed more space," and 33 percent listed "decided to remodel instead of purchasing a new home" as among their most important reasons for remodeling.

Like any major decision, the choice to move or improve involves many variables, and we will look at those variables next week. Sometimes the circumstances may dictate a clear choice, but more often than not, homeowners need to do their homework and weigh the options. Whatever the decision, it's important to use a remodeler that's right for you.

Most people solicit expert advice before they purchase a car, so there's no reason why you shouldn't hire a home inspector before paying more than 10 times the price of a car to buy a home. By the same token, remodeling can often increase a home's value, as well as making it more livable and enjoyable, but no potential buyer will be impressed by shoddy workmanship and sloppy craftsmanship. So, if you're going to spend your money to remodel, hire somebody who will do it right.