Current Housing Market Solution: Renovate, Renovate, Renovate

We know that the Great Recession and housing market collapse has made many homeowners very nervous. But it has also made them very practical. New statistics reveal that instead of seeking bigger, more expensive houses, homeowners are staying put, making the ones they have look nicer and more energy efficient, and doing it themselves. This can be gleaned from the numbers: Residential architecture inquiries and billings are still down, and profits at Home Depot and Lowe's are rebounding.

Yes, we're nesting again and feathering our nests with modest, energy-efficient improvements -- from LED lighting to water saving toilets -- rather than opting for a Great Room and adding steam showers or simply moving into that coveted McMansion, according to the American Institute of Architects.