I live in the midwest and it's booming (read gas lease money) I have several contractor friends and they are not even going out to bid anymore.
New houses, barns remodels are everywhere...and people were getting $3-5K per acre for gas leases and they have money to burn. A family friend has 600 acres and signed a lease for $4950 per acre +20% royalty.
I understand that in some of the country business is certainly picking-up for construction. And i am grateful for that and glad for those peole and our country. I was recently in Wisconsin and surprised to see hardly any foreclosures and new construction taking place. But here in California - not so much. I primarily do custom homes for individuals on their property , and that has almost completely stopped. I have been through many of these down-turns in my 34 years of running my own business . And I always have faith in it to turn around if the government will simply get out of our way. Unfortunately, here in California - that will not happen. I am 56 and married, and my wife has a good job and will not leave it till retiring. At this time she is still not interested in me moving to another state to work. Meanwhile i have adjusted and do whatever remodel and repair work that comes along.