WASHINGTON, DC -- Remodeling activity grew moderately in the first quarter of 2006, according to the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The current market conditions index increased from 46.6 to 48.1 and future expectations moved from 47.5 to 48.9.
The RMI for owner-occupied units grew from 48.9 in the fourth quarter of 2005 to 53.8, while renter-occupied units fell from 40.4 to 36.7 during the same period. In the futures expectation index, owner-occupied units moved from 50.4 to 53.2 and the renter-occupied component decreased from 37.8 to 30.4 for the first quarter of 2006. Remodeling accounts for 40 percent of all residential construction and improvement spending and almost two percent of the U.S. economy.
The RMI measures remodeler perceptions of market demand for current and future residential remodeling projects. Any number over 50 indicates that the majority remodelers view market conditions as expanding.
Regionally, there was strong growth throughout the country except the West, though that area still remains well within the positive range. The Northeast's current conditions increased by nearly 10 points from 41.6 to 51.1 and the future index jumped from 41.0 to 47.3. Current conditions increased in the Midwest from 41.1 to 44.3 with the future expectations increasing by .4 to 46.6.
The RMI "special questions" section asked about the age group of homeowners who ask for remodeling work. Baby Boomers (aged 46-64) account for the vast majority of remodeling work, with 91% of remodelers providing service to this age group. In addition, 26% of remodelers serviced "Gen. X" (36-45 years old) clients, 2% for "Gen. Y" (35 and under), and 13% for Seniors (65 and older).
This eUpdate posting by: Steve Joyce, Editor
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