With the building market in a bona fide depression, those who earn their living in construction are really hurting for work. That makes this an ideal time to start a remodeling project if you've been putting it off at your house.

It may sound nuts to remodel at a time when home values are plummeting. But it's really not when you consider the potential savings. Don't, however, make home improvements with an eye to achieving a better resale value; you'll just end up disappointed.

The December issue of Money magazine reports that a kitchen remodeling will only net you 76 cents on a dollar when you resell. A bathroom renovation only brings in 75 cents on the dollar. Those have historically been considered the 2 strongest remodeling projects -- and even then you lose a quarter on every dollar.

The only reason to do a remodeling project is to increase your enjoyment of the home where you live.

Contractors are now willing to work for less and actually show up when they say they will! Material costs are cheaper too. Clark has a friend who has owned a plot of land for 11 years. He's only building a house on it right now because of the favorable contractor bids he received.