WASHINGTON -- U.S. builders began work on more home-remodeling projects in April. But the increase barely lifted overall construction spending above its lowest level in more than a decade, a sign that the troubled industry remains too weak to help the economy.

Construction spending rose 0.4 percent in April, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

The jump in spending on home improvements offset declines in single-family homes and apartment construction. And the slight gain followed a sharp downward revision to the March figures.

The government said spending rose only 0.1 percent for the month, down from its initial estimate of 1.4 percent growth.

-- AP

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

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