SANDY?A national study finding that Americans are starting to spend more money to fix up their homes?a possible sign the economy is improving?is mirrored in the experience of some Utah remodeling companies.

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found a $2.8 billion increase in remodeling expenditures so far this year.

Kevin Young, a cabinetmaker from West Valley City, said many signed up for remodeling bids at this weekend’s Home Remodeling Convention in South Towne.

Meanwhile, a Sun Peak Financial executive said construction loans, especially for homes in the southwest Salt Lake Valley, have remained steady.