Remodeling forecast: steady as she grows

Orlando — Spending on residential remodels will continue to grow at a modest pace in the next two years, according to experts at a press conference hosted by the National Association of Home Builders at the International Builders' Show here.

NAHB predicts that remodeling spending for owner-occupied single-family homes will increase 4.9% in 2018 over 2017 and an additional 0.6% in 2019. 

"Remodeler confidence has stabilized at a positive level, as remodeling spending topped $152 billion in 2017," said 2017 NAHB Remodelers Chair Dan Bawden, a remodeler from Houston. "There is steady demand around the country, but the cost of labor and materials is challenging remodelers' ability to meet that demand."

"NAHB estimates that real spending on home improvements will grow by nearly 5% in 2018, as below-normal rates of home building are creating an aging housing stock," said Paul Emrath, NAHB vice president for survey and housing policy research. "Factors inhibiting stronger growth include the ongoing labor shortage and rising material prices."

"We're not only seeing more requests for proposals, but more committed projects from home owners," said Steve Cunningham, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Williamsburg, Va. "In addition to regular updates and repairs, there's been an uptick in more ambitious large remodel requests."