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S. Fla Construction Companies Seeing Work Pick Up

MIAMI (CBS4) - Home improvements are making a comeback in 2011. A new survey shows people are ready to start projects, they've been putting off and this may be the perfect time for you to save.

"It is a tough economy, therefore, they are holding on to their dollars spending very little and only on necessary expenses," said Adolfo Zunino, owner of Presto Roofing in Miami.

For the past couple of years, people have been putting off home improvements like getting a new roof. So to try and beat the competition companies have made changes to their pricing.

"We have dropped prices to get competitive. The industry has dropped them and so have we," said Zunino.

A new survey, by consumer group Angie's List, shows 80 percent of contractors are willing to drop prices to get a job. Prices have fallen as much as 20 percent, which is good for the 90 percent of homeowners prepared to do work.

Last year, Presto Roofing did more estimates and talked with people looking to do work in the New Year

"That gives me hope that some of those estimates will end up being contracts signed," said Zunino.

Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, wants homeowners to take advantage of the prices.

"They are probably going to go up as soon as the demand starts to get stronger. Consumers who are acting early are probably going to get the better deal, said Hicks.

Before you nail down a contractor, Angie's List recommends people research the company, ask for references, check their licensing,

and get three written estimates.

"People have a better attitude and have more optimism. Hopefully that translates to more business," said Zunino.

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