Plan ahead for a busy remodeling season

Dan DiClerico

If you've been thinking about a home renovation, there's no time like the present. The home remodeling market could see double-digit year-over-year growth in 2014, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. That means remodeling contractors should soon be a lot busier, and you might have a harder time finding that just-right slab of granite at the stone yard, or other coveted materials and products.

“The ongoing growth that we’ve seen in home prices, housing starts, and existing home sales is also being reflected in home improvement activity,” said Eric S. Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center, in the news release. “As owners gain more confidence in the housing market, they are likely to undertake home improvements that they have deferred.”

Consumer Reports has tested many of the appliances and home improvement products that go into a remodel, whether you're redoing the kitchen or looking to boost your home's curb appeal. A few recommended reads:

  • SaveTime in the Kitchen, which looks at ways to design a highly-functional and efficient kitchen using the speediest ranges, steam ovens, small appliances, and more from our tests.

  • Bathroom Remodeling Guide, covering design advice, in addition to the best toilets, showerheads, sinks, vanity tops, and more.

  • 5 Home Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore, zeroing in on problems that could lead to catastrophic damage if left unchecked, such as leaky roofs, cracked foundation walls, and mold infestations.

Be sure to check out our extensive buying guides to every major appliance in the home, including dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.

—Daniel DiClerico



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