Remodeling Recovery Underway and Picking Up Steam

by Abbe Will
Research Analyst

All signs point to a strong rebound for home improvement activity in 2013, according to our latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA).  Robust spending in the second half of 2012 suggests the remodeling recovery is already underway, and the LIRA projects annual homeowner improvement spending will see accelerating double-digit growth through the third quarter of 2013. This news comes just ahead of the release of our biennial remodeling report, The U.S. Housing Stock: Ready for Renewal, coming out next Wednesday, January 23.

It’s encouraging to see the residential sector finally contribute to growth in our economy. Through the first three quarters of 2012, investment in the residential sector was responsible for one out of every six dollars added to our GDP.  Moving forward, home improvement spending is expected to make an even larger contribution to GDP growth.

There are many external economic and political risks that could derail this remodeling recovery, but the solid momentum behind home building activity, existing home sales, low financing costs, and remodeling contractor sentiment all point to a solid start to the new year for home improvement spending. (Click chart to enlarge.)

For more information about the LIRA, including how it is calculated, visit the Joint Center website.