Residential Design + Build Market Trends Offer Hope for Housing Recovery

95% of custom homebuilders say their 2011 outlook will either hold steady or improve

Fort Atkinson, WI (April 26, 2011) -- The 5th Annual Residential Design + Build Market Trends Report is out, and if Americans are looking to the custom home market for hope of recovery, they may be pleasantly surprised. Eighty-five percent of respondents believe the outlook for their business will either hold steady or improve (40% better, 45% same). A majority of those surveyed also expect 2011 to be a growth year with 47% of architects, 57% of builders and 45% of design/builders expecting their revenue to grow over the next three quarters.

The report surveys hundreds of custom home architects and builders each year about their business outlook and anticipated performance. This year?'s responses are generating buzz not only in the industry, but ancillary markets that are affected by custom home sales.

"This year'?s results showed more optimism, although it is important to remember that 2009 and 2010 were years that were unprecedented in terms of negative business results,"? says Publisher John Huff. "?We are seeing staffing numbers holding with just over 15% expecting to hire staff this year, only 8% of respondents planned to reduce staff this year. Any increase in employment and revenue expectations is positive for our market."

One significant trend is a focus on home remodeling with a significant number of respondents planning to increase this part of their business -- 67% of architects, 71% of builders and 78% of design/builders.

"Over two-thirds of Americans own their own home, which means strong benefits and opportunities for custom home builders and architects," says Editor Maureen Alley. "The average age of a home is increasing, and along with it, repairs, upgrades, expansions and more. Homeowners are employing architects and custom home builders to add unique components to their home and provide a strong return on investment."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average median owner-occupied home was 32 years old in 2007. Kitchen, bath and deck remodels offer an important revenue stream with both builders and architects expecting to increase this part of their business in 2011.

The Residential Design + Build Market Trends Report is based on a survey sent to hundreds of custom home architects and builders, conducted in the first quarter of each year. The report is the oldest and original focusing solely on the custom home market. 

View full results of the 2011 Residential Design + Build Market Trends Report.

Residential Design + Build and RDBmagazine.com are published by Cygnus Business Media. Cygnus Business Media reaches millions of professionals annually. As one of America's top business-to-business media companies, Cygnus is leading the way in providing targeted content to top decision-makers and organizations. The company'?s corporate initiatives and organizational architecture are built with one goal: fully engaging audiences in Aviation, Building & Construction and Public Safety & Security, as well as Diversified Industries such as agriculture, transportation, printing, accounting and vending.

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