Fixing on the upswing

American Express predicts an increase in home improvement plans for 2012. According to a March report, most homeowners, 70 percent, have plans for 2012, and expect to spend an average of $3,500 to spruce up their homes, an increase of $100 from last year.

Percentage of homeowners with plans to improve home:

2011: 64%2012: 70%

Percentage with plans to remodel indoors:

2011: 55%2012: 58%

Percentage with plans to remodel outdoors:

2011: 29%2012: 35%