April 3, 2006: Remodeling Spending at All-Time High in 2005
WASHINGTON - Passing $200 billion for the first time, Americans spent an estimated $210 billion on residential remodeling in 2005, based on the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB's) analysis of recently released third-quarter remodeling spending from the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, the NAHB Remodelorsâ„¢ Council forecasts the largest increase in spending in 2006 in more than 10 years to a record $238 billion, a 13.2 percent jump.
"The devastating 2005 hurricanes, combined with a rebound in the rental market, are expected to spur a historically high increase in spending this year as repair work proceeds in the Gulf states and apartment owners renovate properties to maximize rental income," said Vince Butler, CGR, CAPS, GMB, chair of NAHB's Remodelors Council. "The massive owner equity and low refinance rates that fueled recent growth will continue to drive strong expansion."