Confidence can affect individuals, markets, and an entire country. Confidence allows us to focus on the future rather than just the here and now.

Robust spending on home improvement in the second half of 2012 suggests the remodeling recovery is already underway, and annual homeowner improvement spending should see accelerating double-digit growth through the third quarter of 2013, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA).

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) announced the election of its 2013 executive board, which will preside over the trade group’s 50th anniversary this year.

“Remodelers are indicating major growth in the future, with many saying that clients are feeling more stable in their financial future and their employment situations; therefore, they are spending more freely on remodeling needs,” says Tom O’Grady, CR, CKBR, chairman of NARI’s Strategic Planning & Research Committee and president of O’Grady Builders, based in Drexel Hill, Pa.

To a remodeling contractor, saying “no” to a potential client could possibly be the best decision you make for your company.

U.S. Bancorp and PV-maker SunPower have started a $100 million venture that can boost green standards on about 3,000 single-family homes nationwide.

Bill Shaw will serve as chairman of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers in 2013, the trade group announced.

Vinyl siding ranks as one of the most environmentally friendly exterior claddings today, as confirmed by a life cycle assessment using Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability software.

After languishing for several years, the U.S. remodeling industry appears to be pulling out of its downturn and a renewal of the nation’s housing stock is underway, according to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry named 152 regional CotY (Contractor of the Year) winners from the 2013 competition, of which 19 are NARI members.