Remodeling Confidence Increases Despite Rising Costs

The NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 58 in the second quarter of 2018, up one point from the previous quarter.

Since the second quarter of 2013, the RMI has been consistently above 50 — indicating the majority of remodelers report current market activity is higher than the previous quarter. The overall RMI averages ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future remodeling activity.

“Remodelers across the country continue to see demand,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Joanne Theunissen, CGP, CGR, a remodeler from Mt. Pleasant, Mich. “However, the rising cost of materials is impeding the market’s ability to be even stronger.”

Current market conditions decreased one point from the first quarter of 2018 to 57. Among its three major components:

• Major additions and alterations waned one point to 55.
• Minor additions and alterations decreased two points to 58.
• Home maintenance and repairs rose two points to 59.

The future market indicators gained four points from the previous quarter to 59. Among its components:

• Calls for bids fell two points to 55.
• Amount of work committed for the next three months increased two points to 56.
• Backlog of remodeling jobs jumped nine points to 66.
• Appointments for proposals rose seven points to 61.

“Improving economic growth is supporting demand for home remodeling,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “However, remodelers have to deal with rising material prices, especially lumber, and the continued shortage of labor to keep prices competitive. The labor shortage is also a factor contributing to the increasing backlog of remodeling jobs.”

For the full RMI tables, please visit nahb.org/rmi. For more information about remodeling, visit nahb.org/remodel.