With rural properties bought and sold on the strength of the farming enterprise the land provides, rather than the size, appeal and condition of the house, the home that comes with it is often 'taken as is'.

The options are then to renovate or build a new home on the property.

According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, renovations are back in vogue again, with an increase of 3.9 per cent in the September 2009 quarter for the volume of work done on major home alterations and additions throughout Australia.

The upsurge in renovation work followed four consecutive quarters of decline, with the Housing Industry Association's chief economist Harley Dale predicting a continued recovery for the renovations sector.

"The renovations sector should continue to recover after a soft 2008/09 as labour market conditions improve further and gains in home prices bolster confidence," Mr Dale said.

Regional WA building companies say business has been busy, with the slump in housing prices leading many to renovate rather than sell in a low market.

Tallwood Constructions managing director Alex Campbell said his company serviced the South West premium end of the housing renovation market.

This included Bunbury, Busselton and Dunsborough, with the company engaged by clients who wanted major additions and refurbishments such as a new storey, new kitchen and bathrooms, with clients often spending $200,000 up to around a $1 million.

Mr Campbell said the renovation market was huge, with 85pc done by tradesmen, often unqualified builders working on their own.

"We cater for the premium end of the market," Mr Campbell said.

"With Bunbury, there is not much land left in the inner city and for many, the new lots are a bit far out,"

"People become attached to their local area and would rather renovate than move out of the area altogether."

Bindoon Cabinets owner Justin Kay employs a second full-time cabinetmaker plus an apprentice and said there was plenty of work available, with the most common renovations requested for kitchens, bathrooms and new timber flooring.

His business takes on work in surrounding towns, including Bindoon, Gingin, Wannamal, Bullsbrook and Muchea and includes jobs in Perth, 100km away.

"Renovating is generally cheaper and less hassle for most people," Mr Kay said.