The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 57 in the fourth quarter of 2018, only one point lower than the previous quarter. The RMI has been consistently above 50—indicating that more remodelers report market activity is higher compared to the prior quarter than report it is lower—since the second quarter of 2013. The overall RMI averages current remodeling activity and future indicators.

“The overall remodeling market remains strong, but there are signs of concern related to rising labor and input costs,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Joanne Theunissen, CGP, CGR, a remodeler from Mt. Pleasant, Mich. “Remodelers are battling sticker shock with many home owners who expect lower bids.”

Current market conditions fell one point from the previous quarter to 57. Among its three major components, major additions and alterations remained steady at 56, minor additions and alterations decreased one point to 56 and the home maintenance and repair component fell one point to 59.

The future market indicators dropped three points from the previous quarter to 56. Calls for bids remained still at 57, the amount of work committed for the next three months decreased seven points to 52, the backlog of remodeling jobs fell three points to 59 and appointments for proposals decreased four points to 55.

“Many of the fundamentals for the remodeling market, including demographics and economic and employment growth, remain favorable,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “However, remodelers continue to face challenges in keeping their prices competitive while dealing with the increasing costs of labor and building materials.”