This is a record year for Prince Edward Islanders renovating homes and backyards, says the manager of P.E.I.'s Home Show.

The 29th annual Home Show wrapped up Sunday, and Brian McKiel said about 80 per cent of the 12,000 people who attended the show are making significant changes to their home this year.

Part of the reason for the building boom is the new HST tax coming into effect April 1, he said.

"A lot of people are placing orders this weekend, and going ahead, maybe to beat the HST. I think people have put their projects on hold for far too long, and they've just decided we're going to go ahead and get it done," said McKiel.

"We're looking at decks, renovations, windows, doors, sidings. Some of the veteran exhibitors here are telling me they're doing better than they have the last three or four years."

McKiel says big ticket items like pools, spas are also selling much better this year than in the last several years.