The weak economy is causing baby boomers to postpone plans to sell their homes.

A sluggish economy and housing market will continue to hamper home improvement spending well into next year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The remodeling market is expected to stay soft with the LIRA pointing to a modest decline in annual homeowner improvement spending over the next several quarters.

The August BuildFax Remodeling Index shows the best numbers since index was introduced in 2004

This year's Design Award winners offer their advice on crafting the perfect kitchen island

This year’s Professional Remodeler Design Awards show a shift to more practical projects

Whole House $300,000 to $750,000Remodeler: Lorich Construction Management, Deer Park, N.Y.Designer: Impact Architecture, Farmingdale, N.Y.

Kitchen $50,000 to $100,000 College City Design/Build, Lakeville, Minn.

Kitchen under $50,000 Normandy Builders, Hinsdale, Ill.

Historic Renovation Renewal Design-Build, Decatur, Ga.

Finished Basement Gehman Design Remodeling, Harleysville, Pa.