Growth in home improvement activity is expected to peak during the second half of 2014 and then begin to ease heading into next year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Revised estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show the home improvement market grew 5.6% in 2013. For 2014, the LIRA projects annual gains in home improvement spending of 9.9% with annual growth slowing to 7.0% in the first quarter of 2015.

“With the economy improving slower than expected and home sales struggling to keep up with last year’s pace, the recent strong gains in remodeling spending will likely moderate later this year,” says Chris Herbert, research director at the Joint Center. “Although this presents a challenge for the remodeling industry, the LIRA continues to project significant growth going into 2015.”

“Despite some headwinds, there continue to be promising signs for remodeling,” says Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center.  “Remodeling contractor sentiment remains positive and house prices continue to rise in most areas of the country.”

For more information, visit jchs.harvard.edu.