The 2012 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Member Profile Survey reflects how the association’s member companies are adjusting to changes in the industry. The 2012 study, conducted by Consumer Specialists, surveyed 518 NARI members and found:
Member companies are increasing the number of salespeople — with 46% indicating having a dedicated salesperson or team, up from 43% in 2011.
Individuals who both sell and work on projects increased from 31% to 36%.
Average sales compared with 2011 increased 14%.
In-house design work increased from 56% in 2011 to 60% last year, and the top three project types were kitchens (81%), baths (77%), and additions (47%).
Respondents say that remodeling existing rooms made up 56% of sales in 2012 versus 51% in 2011.
85% of surveyed companies offered existing room remodels in 2012, an increase from the 81% that offered that type of project in 2011.
73% offered room addition services in 2012 versus 69% in 2011.
Kitchen projects are up 2% overall.
Bath projects are up by 5%.
Basement projects are down 4%.
Additions are down 1%.
Energy upgrades are up 5%.
Exterior replacements are up 2%.
Also reflecting the continuation of a challenging economy after the recession is the number of companies that are offering health insurance for employees, which dropped to 46% in 2012 from 53% in 2011. Employees are also paying slightly more of the cost of health insurance as the average portion of insurance paid by respondents fell from 62% to 60%. However, 93% of respondents believe that 2013 will be as good or better than 2012. —Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING. twitter.com/SilverNina
