Nov. 8--LIMA -- With the economy still struggling, it may not seem like the ideal time to make investments in a house. Exhibitors at a home improvement exposition this weekend, however, said that's exactly what people across the area are doing.

The West Central Ohio Fall Home and Energy Expo kicked off its two-day run at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center on Saturday. Several exhibitors said despite the slow economy their business is doing well.

"A lot of people are looking to expand into more space but they can't because of the economy so what they want to do is they want to fix up the only available space that's left, which is the basement," said Keith Zimmerman, a project manager at The Basement Doctor. "They want to make it into a rec room or a bedroom. That means drying it out, finishing the walls and making sure it doesn't leak. We've actually been very busy with that kind of stuff."

The expo, sponsored by The Lima News and the West Central Builders Association, is designed for homeowners eager to learn the latest in energy-saving tips, according to Bill Clinger, marketing director at The Lima News.

"One of the reasons we wanted to do this was to come out with a show that really gets people the answers," Clinger said. "The two-day show is designed to have a lot of workshops that are talking about some tax-saving, some incentives, some ways you can do things that will save energy and also save you money."

Duane Dulmage, with Restoration Homes LLC, said his business is picking up with increased estimates and increased business.

"We're staying busy," Dulmage said. "That's better than some."

The expo runs from noon to 4 p.m. today with free admission.

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