by ShoesOptional | Aug 8, 2016 | Uncategorized
Houzz economists recently released the annual U.S. Houzz & Home Report, the largest home building and remodeling survey in the world. Over 120,000 respondents in the United States provided information on their design and renovation projects in 2015 and their upcoming plans in 2016.
Some of the questions asked in the survey:
- What is driving renovation activity?
- How much has kitchen and bathroom renovation spending grown?
- What is the impact of home buying and selling on renovation budgets?
- How do millennial design preferences differ from those of baby boomers?
- What are the top projects of 2015?
Download the report and view a recording of a recent webinar with Houzz Principal Economist Nino Sitchiniva for more insight.
Houzz also just released the findings from its Q2 2016 Renovation Barometer, which tracks confidence in the home renovation market. More than 5,000 home builders, architects, designers, contractors, landscape professionals, and other industry pros participated. Its findings:
- Quarter-Over-Quarter Uptick. High readings reflect widespread industry confidence in quarter-over-quarter market gains. The outlook for the third quarter continues to point toward positive growth in all sectors.
- Year-Over-Year Growth Slows in Design-Related Sectors. The barometer posted high year-over-year readings in the second quarter. However, these scores decreased slightly from the first quarter for five of the six industry groups surveyed. Despite business growth, the overall confidence of design-related industry groups has declined four quarters in a row.
- Changes in Client, Project Mix Drive Increase in Business Activity. Half or more of firms across all industry groups report that activity of home owners ages 35-54 has increased year-to-date relative to the same period last year. Projects from boomers are also on the rise. Additionally, many firms report that more clients are purchasing high-end products, tackling multiple projects at a time, and/or are taking on more kitchen and bathroom renovations.
by Michael Dey | Apr 3, 2014 | Uncategorized
During New Homes Month in April, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is sharing with home buyers the most popular features in new single-family homes in 2014. Builders from across the country were surveyed on what features they were most likely to include in a typical single-family home this year, revealing that convenience, livability and energy efficiency are top priorities.
“Newly constructed homes can suit the specific requirements of today’s home buyers,” said NAHB Chairman Kevin Kelly, a home builder and developer from Wilmington, Del. “And now is a great time to consider buying a new home, as consumers can take advantage of competitive home prices and low interest rates to find the perfect new home for their families.”
Home builders are including features that are practical and functional for the daily lives of today’s home buyers. The features that are most likely to be included in a typical single-family home this year are:
- a walk-in closet in the master bedroom
- low-e windows
- a laundry room and
- a great room.
Energy efficiency is a key theme with Energy-Star rated appliances, programmable thermostats and Energy-Star rated windows at the top of the list. These features help make the home more comfortable and can save the home owner significant money over the long term. On a median per square-foot basis, home owners spent 78 cents per square foot per year on electricity, while owners of new homes spent 65 cents per square foot per year, according to data from the 2009 American Housing Survey (AHS).
Builders also list features such as granite countertops, a double sink and a central island as winning elements in new-home kitchens, and a linen closet and a private toilet in the bathroom. Additional features likely to be included throughout the home include first-floor ceilings at least nine-feet high, a front porch, outdoor lighting and a patio.
Home buyers can access home buying and home building information and resources on NAHB’s website at nahb.org/forconsumers.
by Michael Dey | Sep 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
Your Home Builders Association of Greenville is developing an expansion of its annual awards program where we recognize members for their contributions to the association and the Home Building industry. The awards program, tentatively named “The Bridge Awards,” will recognize excellence in Home Building, Remodeling, Sales and Marketing, and other elements of the industry.
We would like your opinion. Please take a short seven-question survey by clicking here. Your answers will help us better plan this new benefit of membership in your Home Builders Association.
by Michael Dey | Jun 13, 2011 | Uncategorized
Results of a major NAHB-commissioned survey clearly show the high priority that Americans continue to place on homeownership and housing choice, even amidst the turmoil in today’s housing market.
The survey, which polled 2,000 likely 2012 voters during the week of May 3-9, was conducted by two of the most highly regarded polling firms in the country. Initial findings were officially released in an NAHB media teleconference that was held on June 7, with further details set for release within the next few days — in fact, a special edition of Nation’s Building News to be published on Tuesday, June 14, will contain details from the full array of findings.
The bottom line is this: Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership, with an overwhelming 75% of those surveyed saying that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market and 95% of current home owners saying they are happy with their decision to purchase a home. Meanwhile, almost three-quarters of those who do not currently own a home said that homeownership is one of their goals. And among younger voters who are most likely to be in the market for a home in the next few years, the percentages are even higher.
Among the other survey results:
- Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
- 80% of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
- Saving for a downpayment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
- Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.
These are powerful findings that confirm just how out of touch some policymakers in Washington have become with the American public in their pursuit of measures that would make it much more difficult for the average consumer to purchase a home. And, they are exactly what we need to counter these measures in the halls of Congress, in the Administration and in the media.
Stay tuned for further details in this report, Nation’s Building News, and other communications channels. In the meantime, read the NAHB press release, check out the survey results for yourself at www.nahb.org/VoterPoll, and view favorable coverage of our poll by Charlie Cook in the National Journal and on The Wall Street Journal’s blog.
To listen to the presentation of the survey by the pollsters at NAHB.org, click here.
by Michael Dey | Nov 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
Your HBA of Greenville is conducting a survey of the 2011 Home Builders’ Legislative Agenda. Among the issues under consideration are extending the Multiple Lot Discount Program, reforming business licenses, and strengthening Home Builders licensing. Please participate in the survey and help your HBA refine the legislative program for next year.
Please click on this link to particpate in the survey.
