The spiraling cost of a barrel of oil has hit home, literally, for some Long Islanders planning repairs or home improvement projects.

For several years, Tim White, the owner of the Lindenhurst remodeling company that bears his name, often found homeowners eager to spend money on renovations. But because the cost of many petroleum-based building materials - asphalt roof shingles, vinyl siding and plastic pipe - continues to climb, homeowners find that their remodeling dollars don't stretch as far.

"The guy who a year or six months ago put $6,000 away for a job is surprised," White said, "so he's only doing work that's necessary." In the case of a roofing and siding job, a bad roof might take priority, he added.

It doesn't help that petroleum-based products are also the least expensive building materials, eliminating the option of downgrading to cheaper choices.

Homeowners scaling back on projects is just another blow to Long Island's hard-hit building and remodeling industry. White said his business is down about 9 percent from last year. Many local building suppliers said sales are down 15 to 20 percent.