DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Announces Top Trends for 2003

Nine out of 10 households invest more in real estate than they do in the stock market, which continues to drive demand for the $120 billion remodeling industry each year.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, a national remodeling Franchise that averages more than 20,000 jobs a year, recently conducted its annual poll of the franchise network to identify kitchen and bath trends for 2003. The results:

Kitchens:
• Quartz countertops
• Use of more solid surface materials like Corian
• Rising demand for the commercial look of stainless steel appliances
• An open extension into the family room, incorporating fireplaces, family seating and gathering places
• Under cabinet lighting, or "hockey puck" lighting under cabinets

Baths:
• Oversized "rain" shower heads
• Showers with body sprays and steam showers
• Solid surface shower walls
• Earth tones in tile
• Heated tile floors
• Traditional styled cabinetry

The survey revealed that Maple is still popular with caramel or ivory glazes in both the kitchen and bath. But Hickory is gaining a wider audience, and dark finishes like merlot are expected to become more popular in 2003.

In addition, more and more homeowners are giving attention to the various light sources in their remodeling projects. Indirect lighting, task lighting, and ambient lighting are now considered when designing kitchens and baths. And cans and recessed lighting will continue to be prominent in 2003 designs.

"With the size of our franchise network and the variety of jobs we do across the board, we've found that we have a keen sense of emerging trends," said Doug Dwyer, president of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. "Whether it's a high-end fixture, a surface finish, or a simple color choice, our remodelers are very quick to identify key design elements. The 2003 trends are good predictions as more and more homeowners invest in their homes."

About DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide:
Based in Waco, Texas, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has been in more than 2 million homes. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide® is an associate company of The Dwyer Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DWYR), one of the largest multi-franchise holding companies. With approximately 250 Franchises in 15 countries, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide averages more than 20,000 jobs a year. The company is a national member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and the International Franchising Association.