Reflecting on Remodeling in 2022

As my time as chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) nears an end, I want to reflect on the triumphs we achieved as an organization despite the many challenges we faced in 2022.  It was a rough year for the overall housing market, but in times like this, NAHB delivers real value to members.

Remodeling’s Strength

The remodeling sector should continue to play a large part in keeping our industry strong despite high inflation, rising mortgage rates, and other headwinds disrupting new residential construction. NAHB’s economists expect the remodeling market to remain robust, as the nation’s housing stock ages and homeowners remain in their homes longer, in addition to using their homes as classrooms, gyms, offices, and more.

NAHB remodelers are a key cog in the strength of our association. Their growing numbers represent more than 50,000 members. Many serve as leaders on NAHB’s committees and councils, exchanging ideas and pushing for sensible regulations on issues like safety and health, design standards, environmental protection, and building materials supply.

I’m thankful to remodeler members who have been active in the code development process, working to keep homes safe and more efficient without adding exorbitant costs. They are our industry’s front line in the fight against private interests 

I’m thankful to remodeler members who have been active in the code development process, working to keep homes safe and more efficient without adding exorbitant costs. They are our industry’s front line in the fight against private interests that seek to add costly code changes that offer little benefit to consumers or the environment. These battles are more important than ever as remodelers work to improve the nation’s aging housing stock, bringing it up to contemporary code.

Workforce Development Impacts

As we seek to strengthen the future skilled trades workforce, remodelers play a pivotal role in workforce development. NAHB members at the local, state, and national levels spread the word about the personally rewarding—and well-paying—work of builders and remodelers.

The chronic labor shortage remains a significant challenge to remodelers, builders, and housing affordability. Encouraging more women, minorities, veterans, and young people to join the industry will be key to our continued success.

NAHB has strategic efforts and partnerships in place to close the skilled labor gap and create the workforce needed, such as the National Housing Endowment, Professional Women in Building Council, student chapters at high schools and colleges, and programs with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, SkillsUSA, and the Girls Scouts of America. And the Home Builders Institute, NAHB’s workforce development arm, is the nation’s leading resource for career technical education in the building trades.

Supporting the Industry

NAHB is the voice for the housing industry. We continue to look to the future by promoting new techniques and tools that support the industry’s growth, many of which are on display every year at the International Builders’ Show. And we will continue our work to promote home building and remodeling and make sure its importance is conveyed to policymakers and the public.

I hope to continue to work with many of you as immediate past chairman, and I am confident that our association is in good hands as I turn over the reins to incoming Chairman Alicia Huey, a long-time custom home builder and NAHB leader from Alabama.

She and the other senior officers will continue important advocacy work to improve supply chains, address rising materials costs, protect housing affordability, and advance the industry’s interests while helping our members identify, manage, and minimize risks associated with the construction and remodeling of our nation’s homes.

I wish you all a happy and successful 2023.