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. The RMI measures remodeler perceptions of market demand for current and future residential remodeling projects. Any number over 50 indicates that the majority of remodelers view market conditions as expanding. Remodeling accounts for 40 percent of all residential construction and improvement spending and almost 2 percent of the U.S. economy, says NAHB.

"The $11 trillion in homeowner equity continues feeding the remodeling market," said Remodelorsâ„¢ Council Chairman Vince Butler, CGR, CAPS, GMB. "With remodeling spending surpassing $200 billion for the first time, we see continued long-term growth in the industry."

"Though the frenzy in home buying is slowing down, the remodeling spending associated with purchasing a home usually lags behind," said Dave Seiders, NAHB's chief economist. "The run-up in home sales during the past five years will fuel remodeling growth for the next several years, and the long-term growth looks to be solid as well."

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 percent of remodelers providing service to this age group. In addition, 26 percent of remodelers serviced "Gen. X" (36-45 years old) clients, 2 percent for "Gen. Y" (35 and under), and 13 percent for seniors (65 and older).

Publication date: 05/22/2006