DES PLAINES, IL — Woodworkers and remodelers nationwide are experiencing increased activity and many have a backlog of projects well into the fall, says Tom O’Grady, CR, CKBR, chairman of NARI’s Strategic Planning & Research Committee. “This current condition is world’s away from March of last year and suggests that the recovery is beginning to gain speed," notes O'Grady, who also is president of O’Grady Builders in Drexel Hill, PA.

As remodelers approach the busy season, overall current business conditions have seen steady increases since March of 2012, now at a statistically significant 5.97 rating compared with the 5.59 rating from one year before. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) first-quarter Remodeling Business Pulse (RBP) data of current and future remodeling business conditions is reaching new heights, as quarter-over-quarter increases are seen across all sub-components measuring remodeling activity.

Sharp increases in the number of inquiries and requests for bids point speak directly to an increase in consumer confidence, especially in housing. “Homeowners are tired of waiting to make improvements — many have chosen to stay put — and better financial positioning has them actively approaching professionals to get work done and enhance long-term livability of the home,” O’Grady says.