Whats going on?

So the economy totally sucks right now, I'm sure your aware and I don't need to explain. BUT...I'm wondering what is going on in my neighborhood. In the last week alone, the house next to us did some major yard remodel, pulled out some ugly plants, shrubs, bushes or whatever and laid down a very nice gravel side driveway and some concrete patio(they never do anything to their yard or house so it was surprising). The house directly across from us, is, as we type, laying a new roof and getting new gutters. And the house right next to them, also had a new roof laid down. And at the end of last year, our other neighbor on the other side of us, had new siding, new windows and a new roof put in. Soooo, whats going on? I work in the housing industry and I know for a fact that this ain't cheap, not right now especially. Are jobs getting bid extremely low so that at least there is a little bit of work to be done? I don't get it. I mean, I'm glad they are doing it, because its always a good thing for them and us when they do things to the outside of the house, but I would think it would be pretty darn expensive right now too? Or maybe not? I don't really know. But I thought it was cool and weird at the same time.